1903 Flyer Construction
Howard DuFour, 86, was the guiding force and chief engineer
on the project. He directed the construction of the 1903 Wright Flyer
Replica working from drawings made by the Smithsonian Institution
of the original Wright Flyer housed in the National Air and Space
Museum. Since the drawings were of the finished Flyer, there were
no tolerances given for any dimensions of any part or assembly. Howard
decided to set the accuracy of construction or tolerances to within
.010± of an inch.
The replica is constructed of basswood rather than the spruce used
on the original. Spruce is unavailable in the lengths required. Muslin
again covers the wings and all metal parts were custom-made from drawings
of the originals. The propellers were constructed and donated by Hartzell
Propeller. The engine is a mock-up of the original and made by Howard's
son, Larry DuFour.
The specifications of the 1903 Wright Flyer Replica match those of
the original, with the exception of the overall weight of the machine.
The replica weighs 550 lbs. due to the difference in the weight of
the engine and its auxiliary parts.
|