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Early Flight

Air and Space Museum

Early Flight uses artifacts like the Lilienthal Glider, 1909 Wright Military Flyer, and the Blériot XI to explore how in one short decade people in America and around the world were pushing boundaries, setting records, participating in air shows, and turning the aircraft into a technology that would usher in the aerial age.


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Wood and fabric Bleriot XI aircraft in museum

Bleriot XI

Tandem-wing aircraft with two pusher propellers along a steam engine. Silk-covered wings show exposed wooden ribs on underside.

Langley Aerodrome Number 5

Two-seat biplane with twin propellers and landing skids in place of wheels. Fabric covered wings, rudder, and elevators. A U.S. Air Corps symbol is painted on the rudder.

1909 Wright Military Flyer

Hang glider with natural color fabric over exposed wooden framework. A white mannequin is set inside the frame ring highlighting the hand grip and backrest configuration.

Lilienthal Glider

All-wood construction biplane with muslin covering and six-cylinder engine between the wings. "ECKER" on vane above upper wing.

Ecker Flying Boat

Boxy, pusher biplane fitted with a tricycle undercarriage. The landing gear and struts are painted orange. The wings are covered in a yellowish fabric.

Curtiss D-III Headless Pusher

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