1905 Engine & Propellers

WRIGHT BROTHERS Aeroplane Company

The Wrights did not build a new motor for their 1905 Flyer 3. According to Orville: "The [1904] motor, propellers, and other parts of the machinery were used in the machine of 1905."

In late 1905, the Wrights developed the parabolic cross-section bent-end propellers that, when producing thrust, bent into a straight shape, and producing a combined 210 pounds of thrust.

Due to wear polishing the cylinders during 1904 and 1905, the 1904 motor was producing up to 21 horsepower. This motor was restored under Orville's direction in 1947, and the parts that were borrowed for the 1928 restoration of the 1903 engine were made new. The rebuilt engine and the original propellers are now on the restored 1905 Flyer 3 displayed at Carillon Park, Dayton, OH.

References:

	Wright, 1921.
	McFarland, 1953, p 1214-1215.
	Lippincott, 1987, pp 79-82; 86.
	Orville Wright, deposition in Montgomery vs. the United States, 2 Feb 1921
	McFarland, Marvin W. (ed) The papers of Wilbur and Orville Wright. McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1953, p 1214-1215.
	Lippincott, Harvey H. Propulsion System of the Wright Brothers. In Wolko, Howard S. (editor), The Wright Flyer, an Engineering Perspective. The Smithsonian Institution Press, 1987, pp 79-82; 86.

[Submitted by Joe W. McDaniel]

Click on a photo to enlarge it.

The Wright "bent-end" propellers became a distinguishing feature on all their aircraft produced between 1905 and 1915.

A bent-end prop installed on a Wright Model A in 1910.

The Wrights used the same engine in both the 1904 Flyer 2 and the 1905 Flyer 3.

A Closer Look

The Real McCoy -- Get up close and personal with the world's first practical aircraft, including the engine, drive train, and propellers.

Back to the top