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Wright Brothers Wright Model B

Wright Brothers · Experimental Aircraft · USA · Pioneer Age (pre-1919)

Wright Brothers Wright Model B — Experimental Aircraft
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The Wright Model B was the second production aircraft from the Wright Brothers — refined from the Model A and the first Wright design without the canard elevator. The Wrights developed the Model B in 1910; first flight occurred in mid-1910. About 100 Wright Model Bs were built between 1910 and 1914 at Wright Company's Dayton plant — making it the first Wright aircraft built in serial production. The Model B served as a training aircraft + civilian demonstration aircraft + early military trainer 1910-1916.

The Model B used a Wright vertical 4-cylinder inline engine (30-40 hp depending on variant). Maximum airspeed 68 km/h, flight endurance 90+ minutes. The aircraft removed the canard elevator (forward-mounted horizontal tail) of earlier Wright designs + replaced it with a conventional rear elevator on a stabiliser fin — improving longitudinal stability + simplifying pilot training. The configuration set the standard for subsequent Wright designs + influenced contemporary U.S. aircraft layouts.

Model B service was extensive in early American aviation. Wright Company operated a flying school at Huffman Prairie that trained dozens of pilots in Model Bs. U.S. Army purchased 4 Model Bs as Signal Corps trainers — Lieutenant Henry Arnold (later 5-star General + commander of the U.S. Army Air Forces during WWII) earned his pilot license in a Model B in 1911. About 2 original Model B airframes survive in 2026 at the Henry Ford Museum (Dearborn, Michigan) + the Franklin Institute (Philadelphia).

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Wright Model B was the first production-series Wright plane. The Wright brothers refined the design from the Model A in 1910. About 100 Wright Model Bs were built between 1910 and 1914. The Model B was the first Wright plane built in serial production at a factory.

The Model B is 29 feet long with a 39-foot wingspan, smaller than a school bus. One Wright 4-cylinder engine made 30 to 40 horsepower. Top speed is 42 mph, faster than most cars in 1910. The plane could fly for 90 minutes or more.

The Model B was the first Wright plane without a canard (front-mounted) elevator. Instead, it had a regular rear elevator and stabilizer fin like modern planes. This change made the Model B easier to fly and more stable. It set the standard for all later airplane designs.

The Wright Company opened a flying school at Huffman Prairie that trained dozens of pilots in Model Bs. Future American Air Force general Henry Hap Arnold trained on a Model B in 1911. The Model B was used for training, civilian shows, and early military trials. By 1914, newer planes had replaced the Model B.

Fun Facts

  • The Wright Model B was the first production-series Wright plane.
  • About 100 Model Bs were built between 1910 and 1914.
  • The Model B is 29 feet long, smaller than a school bus.
  • Top speed is 42 mph, faster than most cars in 1910.
  • The Model B was the first Wright plane without a canard elevator.
  • Future American Air Force general Henry Hap Arnold trained on a Model B.
  • The Wright Company flying school trained dozens of pilots in Model Bs.

Kids’ Questions

What is a canard?

A canard is a small wing or stabilizer mounted at the front of the plane, in front of the main wing. Early Wright Flyers had a canard elevator for pitch control. Most modern planes use a rear elevator instead, behind the main wing. The Model B was the first Wright plane with a rear elevator like modern planes. Some modern jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon have brought canards back.

Who was Hap Arnold?

Henry Hap Arnold was a young Army officer who learned to fly on a Wright Model B in 1911. He became one of the first American Army pilots. Arnold rose through the ranks and led the American Army Air Forces during World War II. He became the only general ever to hold 5-star rank in both the Army and the Air Force. Hap Arnold airport in Williamsport, PA is named after him.

Why retire by 1914?

Aviation moved fast in the early 1910s. By 1914, faster and more-agile planes had appeared in Europe and America. The Model B's 42 mph speed and basic design were outdated. Curtiss, Bleriot, and other makers built better planes. The Wright Company stopped building Model Bs in 1914 and moved on to newer designs.

Variants

Model B (basic)
Standard Wright Company production. ~100 built.

Notable Operators

Wright Company flying school + civilian
Principal user. Pilot training at Huffman Prairie.
U.S. Army Signal Corps
4 Model Bs as Army trainers 1911-1916.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Model B drop the canard?

Improved longitudinal stability. The Wright canard configuration (forward elevator) gave responsive pitch control but was unstable in pitch — the aircraft tended to pitch up or down unexpectedly + required constant pilot attention. The Model B's conventional rear elevator + stabiliser fin gave inherent pitch stability that simplified pilot training + made the aircraft safer to fly. All subsequent Wright aircraft used the rear-elevator layout.

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