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What requirements did the U.S. government set for the Wright brothers’ first military airplane contract?

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Tupolev Tu-22M, a Russian variable-wing supersonic jet bomber first flown in 1969. It was designed for potential use in war against the NATO countries, where it was known by the designation “Backfire.”
military aircraft Tupolev Tu-22M, a Russian variable-wing supersonic jet bomber first flown in 1969. It was designed for potential use in war against the NATO countries, where it was known by the designation “Backfire.”

For the first military airplane contract, the U.S. Army Signal Corps set specific performance requirements for the Wright military flyer of 1909. The government required the aircraft to function as an observation craft capable of the following:

  • Endurance: The airplane had to keep a pilot and one passenger aloft for more than one hour.1
  • Speed: The aircraft was required to fly at an average speed of 40 miles (65 km) per hour.12

The contract was valued at $25,000, with an additional $5,000 bonus offered if the aircraft exceeded the specified speed requirement. The Wright brothers successfully met these terms during qualifying trials in July 1909, ultimately receiving the full $30,000 payment.21