How did the Wright Brothers primarily choose to power their aircraft?

The Wright Brothers primarily chose to power their aircraft using piston engines because these engines provided the necessary balance of power output and weight that was crucial for the early designs of their planes. During the early 1900s, piston engines were the most advanced technology available for aviation and offered the efficiency needed to generate enough thrust to lift the aircraft off the ground.

The use of piston engines allowed the Wright Brothers to achieve the critical thrust-to-weight ratio needed for sustained flight. They designed and built their own engine, which was a lightweight, air-cooled, four-cylinder engine that delivered the power required to propel their biplanes. The decision to utilize a piston engine was a significant factor in their successful first flight in 1903, as it allowed them to effectively control the aircraft while generating enough lift.

Alternative power sources like solar energy and electric motors were not viable options at that time due to technological limitations and the weight constraints involved. Similarly, steam engines, while used in various applications, were typically heavier and less efficient for flight compared to the lightweight piston engines developed by the Wright Brothers. This combination of innovation and practicality led to the preference for piston engines in their aircraft designs.