Derwitzer Glider

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Derwitzer Glider
Derwitzer Glider in flight with Lilienthal as pilot, 1891
Role Experimental glider
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Otto Lilienthal
Designer Otto Lilienthal
First flight 1891

The Derwitzer Glider was a glider that was developed by Otto Lilienthal, so named because it was tested near Derwitz [de; it] (nowadays part of Werder (Havel)) in Brandenburg. When flown in 1891, it became a very early successful design able to carry a person and one of the first successful manned aircraft in the world. He made flights of up to 25 metres (80 feet) in it.

Specifications[edit]

General characteristics

  • Crew: One (pilot)
  • Length: 3.90 m (12 ft 10 in)
  • Wingspan: 7.62 m (25 ft 0 in) originally; 5.5 m (18 ft) later
  • Wing area: 10.0 m2 (108 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 18 kg (40 lb)

References[edit]