Wed, Aug 27, 2014
The 'Brown Bird' Has Taught A Generation About The History Of The Wright Brothers And Now It’s time To Plan For Coming Generations
Wright ‘B’ Flyer Inc., an all-volunteer organization that flies a lookalike of the Wright Brothers’ first production airplane, has launched a project to replace its venerable flying machine.
The not-for-profit organization has been flying Wright “B” Flyer No. 1, also known as the“Brown Bird” or “Iron Bird,” since 1982. The one-of-a-kind airplane resembles a 1911 Wright Model B airplane, but its design meets modern airworthiness standards, and it’s built from modern parts and materials.
The airplane has made flybys of the Rose Bowl and the Statue of Liberty and has been on display in Berlin. Numerous aviation pioneers and dignitaries have flown on the airplane, including the late Apollo astronaut Neil Armstrong. It’s a familiar sight in local skies at the Vectren Dayton Air Show and other community events.
The Brown Bird has been flying for a generation, thanks to regular maintenance and periodic upgrades. “We’re thinking ahead to the next generation,” said Jay Jabour, Wright “B” Flyer president and acting chair. “Eventually we will need to replace the Brown Bird with a new airplane. To ensure continuity of our mission in future years, we’re beginning the replacement process now.”
The new airplane project begins as Wright “B” Flyer’s heritage partners, the National Aviation Heritage Alliance, the National Park Service and others are working to restore the original Wright Company factory buildings in Dayton. The factory was the first in America built for the purpose of producing airplanes, and its first product was the Wright Model B.
Wright “B” Flyer is developing a fundraising plan for financial and in-kind donations. The project already has received a substantial donation by an individual.
(Image provided by Wright ‘B’ Flyer Inc.)
More News
Inversion to Launch Reentry Vehicle Demonstrator Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 This fall, the aerospace startup Inversion is set to launch its Ray reentry demonstrator capsule aboard Spac>[...]
"We are excited to accelerate the adoption of electric aviation technology and further our journey towards a sustainable future. The agreement with magniX underscores our commitmen>[...]
"The journey to this achievement started nearly a decade ago when a freshly commissioned Gentry, driven by a fascination with new technologies and a desire to contribute significan>[...]
Aero Linx: OX5 Aviation Pioneers Each year a national reunion of OX5 Aviation Pioneers is hosted by one of the Wings in the organization. The reunions attract much attention as man>[...]
"Our driven and innovative team of military and civilian Airmen delivers combat power daily, ensuring our nation is ready today and tomorrow." Source: General Duke Richardson, AFMC>[...]