What material did the Wright Brothers use for the wings of their Flyer?

The wings of the Wright Brothers' Flyer were constructed using a fabric covering over a wooden frame. This design choice was critical for several reasons.

Firstly, the use of a wooden frame provided a strong yet lightweight structure that was essential for achieving flight. The Wright Brothers engineered their wings to be both sturdy and flexible, allowing for the necessary aerodynamic properties while minimizing weight. The framework was made from materials like spruce and pine, which were chosen for their favorable strength-to-weight ratios.

Secondly, the fabric covering, typically muslin, was stretched over the frame to create a smooth aerodynamic surface. This surface was crucial for generating lift and ensuring efficient airflow over the wings during flight. The combination of the lightweight frame and the fabric covering helped maintain the necessary balance between strength and aerodynamics.

In contrast, other materials like metal sheeting, reinforced plastic, or carbon fiber were not utilized in the Flyer because these were either not available at the time or would have added unnecessary weight and complexity to the early design. Thus, the choice of a fabric covering over a wooden frame was a fundamental innovation that contributed to the Flyer’s success in achieving powered flight.