Background and Description   |   Wright B Flyer Replica

The 1911 Wright B Flyer (Civilian) is an authentic replica of the Model B located at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. The Franklin Institute aircraft was built by The Wright Company and sold to a Grover Cleveland Bergdoll who came to Huffman Prairie Flying Field for flight training. The aircraft was donated to the Franklin Institute in 1933 and restored to original condition by Orville Wright. The restoration was completed by the Camden County Vocational School in Merchantville, New Jersey, under the supervision of Arthur E. Arrowsmith. Orville Wright provided some assistance to Arrowsmith. Tom and Nancy Valentine constructed the replica, which is now in the Wright "B" Flyer Hangar and Museum at the Dayton Wright Brothers Airport, 10550 Springboro Pike (Route 741) Miamisburg, Ohio 45342, (937) 885-2327. The replica was used in the late 70's for the movie "The Winds of Kitty Hawk."

The construction of the 1911 Wright B took about two and one-half years to complete. For the movie, it was modified into various configurations to represent several Wright aircraft shown in flight in the movie.

The replica of the 1911 Wright B model has many refinements and safety improvements, which do not detract from its authenticity, but enhance its beauty and flying safety. All the visible wood structural and control members, as well as the propellers, have been given a furniture-grade finish and the radiator, fuel tank, and many fittings are polished brass. Major safety improvements include: aircraft cables with turnbuckles rather than single-strand spoke wire, reinforced wing spars at attachment points, a more reliable engine, a hinged horizontal stabilizer/elevator arrangement, and seatbelt attachments. It incorporates authentic Wright lever controls and wing warping.