Wright Brothers Wright Model EX / Vin Fiz
Wright Brothers · Experimental Aircraft · USA · Pioneer Age (pre-1919)
The Wright Model EX Vin Fiz was a single Wright Model EX aircraft used by Calbraith Perry Rodgers to make the first transcontinental airplane flight across the United States in 1911. Wright Brothers built the Model EX as a one-off racing variant of the Model B; Rodgers purchased the aircraft + named it "Vin Fiz" after the Armour Company grape-soda product that sponsored his cross-country attempt. Rodgers flew the Vin Fiz from Sheepshead Bay, New York to Long Beach, California between 17 September and 5 November 1911 — completing the first transcontinental airplane flight in 49 days.
The Vin Fiz used a Wright 4-cylinder inline engine (35 hp). Maximum airspeed 88 km/h. The aircraft was a Model EX (modified Model B) with reinforced controls + stronger wings for sustained cross-country flight. Rodgers + a chase train (the Vin Fiz Special, carrying spare parts + ground crew) followed the aircraft across the continent — the train provided spare parts + repairs that kept the aircraft flyable through 70+ accidents + emergency landings during the journey.
The Vin Fiz transcontinental flight covered 6,914 km (4,300 miles) over 49 days. Rodgers averaged about 145 km per day of flying time + experienced multiple crashes that destroyed + replaced large portions of the airframe. By the time the Vin Fiz reached Long Beach on 5 November 1911, only 2 original components remained from the aircraft that left New York — the rudder + a single wing strut. Rodgers was killed in another aircraft crash on 3 April 1912. The Vin Fiz Flyer is preserved at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, Washington DC.
For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version
The Wright Model EX Vin Fiz was the airplane that made the first cross-country flight across America. Pilot Calbraith Perry Rodgers bought the plane and flew it from New York to California in 1911. The flight took 49 days, between September 17 and November 5, 1911. The plane was named after the Armour Vin Fiz grape soda that sponsored the flight.
The Vin Fiz is a modified Wright Model B with stronger wings. One Wright 4-cylinder engine made 35 horsepower. Top speed is 55 mph, faster than most cars in 1911. The plane crashed and was repaired more than 70 times during the trip.
Rodgers's chase train (called the Vin Fiz Special) followed the plane across America by railroad. The train carried spare parts, mechanics, and Rodgers's wife. Whenever the plane crashed or broke down, the train brought parts to fix it. By the end of the trip, almost no original parts of the plane were left.
Rodgers covered 4,300 miles in 49 days. Only the engine drip pan and rudder were original by the end. The Vin Fiz is now preserved at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Rodgers won a $50,000 Hearst Prize for the first cross-country flight under 30 days, but he took 49 days, so he did not win.
Fun Facts
- The Vin Fiz made the first cross-country flight across America in 1911.
- Pilot Calbraith Perry Rodgers flew the Vin Fiz from New York to California.
- The trip took 49 days, from September 17 to November 5, 1911.
- Top speed is 55 mph, faster than most cars in 1911.
- The plane crashed and was repaired more than 70 times during the trip.
- Almost no original parts of the plane remained by the end.
- Rodgers missed the $50,000 Hearst Prize because the trip took over 30 days.
Kids’ Questions
Why so many crashes?
Airplanes of 1911 were fragile and not yet reliable. Rodgers had to land in fields without proper runways, dealing with crosswinds, gusts, and rough ground. Many landings broke wings, struts, or wheels. Mechanics on the chase train brought new parts, repaired the plane, and let Rodgers continue. The 70+ crashes show how difficult cross-country flying was in 1911.
Why follow with a train?
America in 1911 had no airports between cities. There were no spare parts for sale. So Rodgers brought his own parts, mechanics, and tools by train. The train followed Rodgers's flight, stopping when he needed repairs. The train also carried hotel beds, food, and Rodgers's wife. The chase train was essential to the trip.
What was Vin Fiz?
Vin Fiz was a grape-flavored soft drink made by the Armour Company. Armour sponsored Rodgers's cross-country flight to advertise Vin Fiz. The plane was painted with Vin Fiz logos. Armour paid Rodgers $5 for each mile he flew, hoping the flight would make Vin Fiz famous. Vin Fiz did not last as a brand, but the airplane became famous instead.
Variants
- Vin Fiz Flyer (sole airframe)
- Single airframe 1911. Preserved at Smithsonian.
Notable Operators
- Calbraith Perry Rodgers (private)
- Sole operator. 1911 transcontinental flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did the Vin Fiz transcontinental flight take?
49 days from departure to arrival. Rodgers departed Sheepshead Bay, New York on 17 September 1911 + arrived at Long Beach, California on 5 November 1911 — 49 elapsed days. Of those 49 days, only ~84 hours were actual flying time; the rest were maintenance, repairs after crashes, weather delays, and rest stops. Rodgers crashed the Vin Fiz 11+ times during the journey + replaced major portions of the airframe en route — by Long Beach only 2 original components remained from the New York airframe.
Why was it called Vin Fiz?
The Armour Company grape-soda product sponsored Rodgers's attempt with a $5 per mile flown payment + brand-name advertising. The soda was named "Vin Fiz" + Rodgers painted the soda's brand prominently on the aircraft's wings + fuselage. The sponsorship was the first large commercial-product sponsorship of an aviation event — establishing the brand-aviation marketing pattern that continues today (Red Bull Air Race, Air Race E, etc.).
Sources
See Also
- Wright Model B — Direct predecessor (Vin Fiz is modified Model B as Model EX)