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Original and reproduction 1904 propellers |
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There are some enduring questions about the Wright propellers: Who carved them? It is unknown which of the brothers actually carved the propellers. Wilbur made two references to the carving, and the tools used, but didn't mention if he had done the carving himself. It is possible to assume that either brother could have carved the propellers, as both were skilled wood workers. When their factory was in production, shop workers handled the carving of the propellers. Why are they painted with aluminum? When the brothers made public trials of their flying machine, the exposed wooden parts were painted with aluminum paint to make it unclear to observers on the ground and in photographs whether or not the parts were made of wood or metal. It is unknown if this was the reason why the propellers were painted with aluminum as early as 1903. |
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