What did the Wright Brothers believe was necessary for successful continuous flight?

The Wright Brothers believed that improved weight distribution was crucial for achieving successful continuous flight because it directly influenced the balance and stability of their aircraft. Proper weight distribution allowed for better control during flight, especially when maneuvering. They understood that if the weight was not evenly distributed, the aircraft could become difficult to control and could lead to crashes. This principle guided their design choices as they built and tested their flying machines, where they meticulously adjusted the placement of various components to achieve optimal performance.

While powerful engines, effective gliding techniques, and enhanced navigation skills are also important factors in flight, the Wright Brothers' emphasis was primarily on the foundational aspects of control and stability, which stemmed directly from how weight was managed in their designs. Their experiments demonstrated that without adequate attention to weight distribution, the other aspects would not compensate for the lack of stability and control necessary for sustained flight.