Derwitzer Glider

Derwitzer Glider
Derwitzer Glider in flight with Lilienthal as pilot, 1891
Role	Experimental glider Type of aircraft
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

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

• Otto Lilienthal Museum website
• Centennial of Flight website