The 'Red Wing' (or 'Aerodrome #1') was an early aircraft designed by
Thomas Selfridge and built by the
Aerial Experiment Association in
1908. It was named for the bright red color of its silk wings - chosen to achieve the best result with the photography techniques of the day.
On
March 12,
1908 Frederick W. Baldwin piloted the aircraft off the frozen
Keuka Lake near
Hammondsport, New York in what would be the first public demonstration of a powered aircraft flight in the United States as well as the first flight by a Canadian pilot.
[1]
The aircraft covered 319 ft (97 m) at a height of around 20 ft (6 m) before crashing 20 seconds after takeoff. The Red Wing was damaged beyond repair.
Specifications (Red Wing)
References
1. Selfridge Aerodrome Sails Steadily for 319 Feet. At 25 to 30 miles an Hour. First Public Trip of Heavier-than-air Car in America.
Further reading
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Aerofiles
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