Asci254 Case Analysis 1

Wright Aircraft Takes Flight

Kyle E. Wilson

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

ASCI-254

Professor Dr. Larry W Jenkins

I. Summary

The Wright Aircraft was a major turning point in the history of aviation. In 1899 they began to research how things fly (Benson,2014). From 1900-1902 they began developing various flight control systems (Benson, 2014). In December 1903, after an extreme amount of research, development, testing, and training, the Wright brothers completed the first flight of a controllable self-propelled aircraft that was heavier than air (Benson, 2014).

II. Problem

After having a working, and controllable glider developed, the Wright brothers needed an engine that could power the aircraft while maintaining a weight limit (The Wright Brothers). The engine needed to be 200 pounds or lighter, and produce about 8 horsepower (Benson, 2014).

III. Significance of the Problem

This problem is extremely significant because without the correct power to weight ratio then the aircraft would not be able to fly.

IV. Development of Alternative Actions

Alternative Action 1

One action to correct this problem would be to attempting to use aluminum on the engine to try and reduce weight.

Advantages

Aluminum is much lighter than steel or any other metals that were available at that time (Kasten).

Disadvantages

A major disadvantage was that aluminum had not been used yet, and was not proven in aircraft construction (The Wright Brothers).

Alternative Action 2

Another possible action would be to use steel and increase the power output.

Advantages

The big advantage was that steel had been used for years in creating engines for cars and other things (Benson,2014).

Disadvantages

The sever disadvantage is that if the weight increases and the power is not enough to sustain flight, then they would have to start from scratch on aircraft design.

V. Recommendations

After weighing the options the best at that point in time...