What aspect of flight were the Wright Brothers most focused on during their early experiments?

The Wright Brothers were primarily focused on distance and control during their early experiments with flight. This emphasis was crucial because they understood that for a successful flight, not only did an aircraft need to lift off the ground (which relates to altitude) but it also needed to be able to be maneuvered effectively in the air. Early aviation was fraught with challenges, particularly in achieving stable flight and handling the aircraft in various conditions.

The Wright Brothers conducted numerous tests and made incremental improvements, particularly their development of a flight control system that included wing warping for better maneuverability. Their invention of the four-axis control system was foundational for allowing pilots to maintain control over an aircraft, thereby influencing future designs in aviation. While factors like speed, weight, and altitude were certainly relevant, the core challenge they tackled was about achieving sustained and controlled flight rather than merely going fast or high. This dual focus on distance (the ability to maintain flight for longer periods) and control laid the groundwork for the evolution of aviation technology.