Signals AZ

This Day In History, July 30th, 2021 – “Wright Brothers Get The Contract”



Article audio is made possible by CAST11 Prescott Podcast Network. A Talking Glass Media production.

It was just 112 years ago today, July 30, 1909, when Wilbur and Orville Wright won the government contract for a military airplane. To win, they needed to fly ten miles, at or above 36 mph. Earlier in the week, on the 27th, Orville managed to set a new record, beating his brother, by flying at an altitude of 125 feet, for 1 hour, 12 minutes, and 40 seconds, all the while carrying a passenger, an incredible feat. Now, the challenge was on, can the brothers get the job done?

This Day in History, history, American History

A route was set out, from Fort Myer, Virginia, five miles south to Shuter’s Hill, and then back again. Orville, who was the pilot, picked Lt. Benjamin Foulois, who will become the first U.S. military aviator, to be the passenger. About 7,000 people showed up, ready to watch the excitement. Though weather had delayed the takeoff, they managed in the afternoon to get off the ground, and except for a few windy conditions, won the prize as well. History was made in American aviation, 112 years ago, today.

If you like this story, consider subscribing to Signals Updates, Entertainment Events & News!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.