Nova: Wright Brothers' Flying Machine

The challenge of rebuilding the Wright Brothers' Flying Machine.

Orville and Wilbur Wright were remarkable inventors, mechanics, risk-takers, and visionaries. They designed and built their own wings, steering devices, engines, and wind tunnel. But just how did they construct such an impressive flying machine?

It takes a team of modern pilots, builders, aviation experts, and historians joined together to retrace, rebuild and re-fly planes built to the specifications developed by the Wright Brothers a century ago. Vivid footage captures both the Wrights' own historic flights and the team's attempt to fly an authentically recreated Wright "Model B." As modern computer technology meets dusty artifacts, the Wright's aviation secrets emerge from the past and seem more impressive than ever. Discover how the Wright Brothers transformed themselves from bicycle mechanics to high-flying inventors who built a machine that changed the world during a mythical flight at Kitty Hawk on December 17, 1903, and see how they contrived to refine their incredible aircraft.

Nova: Mind-Altering Television
Experience the drama of discovering the wonders of our world - from the miracle of life, to the top of the world and the depths of space, from the power of wild weather, to the marvels of technology, and more. See for yourself why for 30 years, NOVA has been the most watched, most acclaimed science show on television.