A Day That Shook The World: Wright Brothers' first flight

Friday 17 December 2010 01:00 GMT

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On 17 December 1903 a ‘curious looking flying machine’ called Kitty Hawk successfully became airborne in North Carolina, marking the start of a transport revolution.

The first aeroplane’s creators, Wilbur Wright (1867 - 1912) and Orville Wright (1871 - 1948), thought people would be so incredulous at their achievement that they made sure it was photographed and filmed to provide evidence.

The brothers produced a lightweight 25 horsepower engine to launch their innovative contraption up into the sky. During Kitty Hawk’s first flight Orville was at the controls with his brother, Wilbur, looking on.

Watch early footage of the first flight in this British Pathe newsreel.

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A Day That Shook The World: Wright Brothers' first flight