Operational_history AEA_June_Bug

curtiss in june bug, july 4, 1908.

the aero club contacted wright brothers, offering them chance make attempt first. orville wrote decline opportunity on june 30, wrights busy completing deal united states government. message received july 1, , curtiss took air requested on july 4 (independence day).

the flight great public event, bringing people in directions. event overseen delegation of 22 notable members of aero club, headed alan r. hawley. families came 5:00am claim spot on grassy hill, along reporters, photographers, , motion picture film crew. consequently, june bug became first airplane in united states perform in movie. thunderstorm began, , umbrellas popped around hillside. town of hammondsport empty watching event. nearby pleasant valley wine company generously opened doors , offered generous free samples there. charles m. manly, had unsuccessfully tested langley aerodrome in 1903, measured out 1 km , 20 ft (6.1 m) distance plenty of volunteer help. june bug took 1 false start, going 40 feet (12 m) high, not far enough. on second try, airplane flew 5,360 ft (1.6 km) in 1 minute 40 seconds, winning trophy , us$25,000 cash prize. such amazing sight 1 woman watching hit train on nearby tracks , suffered 2 broken ribs. after flight, wine cellars reopened doors free champagne all.

amidst publicity following flight, wrights sent warning curtiss had not given permission use of aircraft control system used exhibitions or in commercial way . in fact, none of aea s aircraft used wing-warping system wrights control, relying instead on triangular ailerons designed alexander graham bell, patented in december 1911. however, in 1913 court ruled technique infringement of wright s 1906 patent.

three years previous june bug s flight, wrights had made flights of 24 miles (38 km) without official witnesses. wrights have been required install wheels , dispense catapult launch compete 1908 prize.