Wright Flyer lands at the National Aerospace Library

The National Aerospace Library has just taken delivery of a model of the Wright Flyer, the model aircraft is prominently displayed in the Library for all visitors to see. The 1/20^th scale model was built in 2003 by David Baxter CEng, FRAeS - as part of the centenary celebrations of the Wright Brothers historic flight – and is based on the original aircraft on display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC.

The model is an accurate depiction of the aircraft with which Orville Wright made the first manned powered flight in 1903. The detail on the model is so defined it includes 76 hand cut wing ribs and cotton thread on the trailing edge of the wings to simulate the wire cable used by the Wright Brothers. .

The National Aerospace Library, based at Farnborough, is the world’s most foremost Library of its kind and houses an extensive collection of material devoted to the development of aeronautics, aviation, aircraft and aerospace technology dating from 1515 to present times. The model of the Wright Flyer is a valuable addition to the collection and will be of interest to anyone that wishes to see a detailed example of the world’s very first manned, heavier-than-air flying machine.

On receiving the model of the Wright Flyer Jonathan Byrne, the Chief Operating Officer of the Royal Aeronautical Society, commented “We are delighted to receive this beautiful example of the Wright Flyer from David Baxter. The model is a wonderful addition to the Library and will add to the experience of visitors. We welcome and encourage people to come and see the incredible collection on display at the National Aerospace Library.”

Mr Baxter, who is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, said “It is a great pleasure to donate this model of the Wright Flyer to the National Aerospace Library, I can’t think of a better home for the model and hope that visitors will be able to envisage what an incredible achievement the first flight by the Wright Brothers was in such an aircraft. ”

About The National Aerospace Library - The National Aerospace Library is open to everyone and provides a fascinating insight in many aspects of aviation. Visitors to the Library can access the following :-
- Over 20,000 aeronautical books
- Many 1000s of back-issues of key aviation journals from around the world
- Over 40,000 technical reports from international aeronautical research establishments - Extensive holdings of Air Publications, ATA handling notes and air accident reports
- The Air Pilot/UK Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) from 1948 through to 1999 and the UK Topographical Air Charts from the mid-1950s.

The National Aerospace Library's extensive online database catalogue of over 90,000 records is searchable viawww.aerosociety.com A team of expert, dedicated staff are on hand to offer advice and assistance for anyone overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available.

About the Royal Aeronautical Society

The Royal Aeronautical Society is the world’s only professional body dedicated to the entire aerospace community. Established in 1866 to further the art, science and engineering of aeronautics, the Society has been at the forefront of developments in aerospace ever since.

The Society promotes the highest professional standards in all aerospace disciplines and is a key provider of specialist information on aspects of aerospace. In addition the Society acts as a central forum for the exchange of ideas and plays a leading role in influencing opinion on aerospace matters. There are currently over 17,000 members of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 100+ countries; members meet regularly via the Society’s network of 60+ Branches and Divisions. More than 175 companies and organisations have become Corporate Partners of the Society while the Society also features 24 groups focusing on specialist areas with the aerospace industry. Every year the Society holds 400+ conferences, lectures and events.

For more information visit www.aerosociety.com or contact Peter Bradfield – PR Advisor pr@aerosociety.com tel 01362 860 061