How did the Wright Brothers' Flyer differ from gliders they had previously built?

The Wright Brothers' Flyer marked a significant advancement in aviation technology because it was the first successful heavier-than-air powered aircraft that could achieve controlled flight. While previous gliders built by the Wright Brothers were capable of flight, they relied solely on wind currents and pilot control without the assistance of an engine. The Flyer incorporated a lightweight engine that provided thrust, enabling it to take off, fly, and land under its own power. This key innovation allowed the Wright Brothers to not only build on their understanding of aerodynamics but also to prove that powered flight was feasible, setting the stage for the future of aviation.

The other options provide characteristics that, while they may describe some aspects of the Flyer, do not encapsulate its most critical achievement—achieving powered and controlled flight. For instance, while the Flyer was indeed designed with a stronger structure to withstand the forces of powered flight, this was not its defining feature. Additionally, the size and weight of the Flyer were a consequence of its design but did not fundamentally distinguish it from their earlier gliders in terms of function. As for carrying passengers, the original Flyer was intended to demonstrate the principles of controlled powered flight rather than act as a means of transport for multiple individuals.