What type of control surfaces did the Wright Brothers innovate for their flights?

The innovation of the Wright Brothers in aviation primarily revolved around the use of ailerons and elevators for control during flight. They developed the concept of wing warping, which allowed for lateral control of the aircraft, acting similarly to ailerons by twisting the wings to manipulate lift on either side of the aircraft. Elevators, positioned on the tail, were used to control the pitch of the aircraft, enabling it to ascend or descend.

This combination of control surfaces was groundbreaking, as it provided the pilot with effective means to maneuver the aircraft, leading to more stable and controlled flights. This laid the foundation for modern aircraft control systems, which build on these principles. In contrast, flaps and slats are primarily used for increasing lift at lower speeds, while rudders are more associated with directional control rather than the primary pitch and roll control functions demonstrated by the Wright Brothers. Stabilators and canards represent more advanced designs that came after the innovations of the Wright Brothers and do not pertain to their initial flights.