Reproduction Wright wind tunnel

This wind tunnel is a reproduction of what was the last step of the Wrights' wind tunnel development. Following the bicycle experiments, Orville built their first wind tunnel, attaching a fan to an 18-inch starch box. A smaller version of the bicycle device for balancing surfaces was installed, with a window in the top of the box to view the results. Although this tunnel was used for only one day, it again showed that Lilienthal's data was flawed - the flat plate and the airfoil did not balance as he had predicted (Jakab, p. 124).

The final tunnel was built in October of 1901. At six feet long, and 16 inches square, it was a significant improvement from the starch box. The Wrights conducted the remainder of their tests in this tunnel, and abandoned it when the tests were complete. This reproduction was built from Orville's letters, sketches, and notes. It is unique in the Wrights' machines in that its aerodynamic qualities are easily reproduced - it was only a simple wooden box.