AEA White Wing
Aerial Experiment Association · United States · first flew 1908 · light aircraft
The White Wing was the second aircraft designed by the Aerial Experiment Association, a group led by Alexander Graham Bell that included Glenn Curtiss and J.A.D. McCurdy. It was notable for being the first AEA aircraft to use ailerons for lateral control rather than wing warping.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Early 1908 American biplane with wing warping
- AEA pioneer aircraft, predecessor to June Bug
- White fabric-covered wings gave it its name
A pusher biplane of typical 1908 configuration with a forward elevator and a single engine driving a pusher propeller between the wings; the white fabric covering gave the aircraft its name.
Specifications
- The AEA White Wing has a length of 8 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.18 m (43 ft).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Flown in May 1908, the White Wing made several successful flights under different AEA members at Hammondsport, New York. It directly informed the design of the more successful June Bug that followed.
Variants
A single aircraft was constructed; the design was a direct evolution from the Red Wing.
Where you'll see it
Used only for experimental flights by AEA members in 1908; it was not produced commercially or used operationally.
Related aircraft
- AEA June Bug
- Silver Dart
- Antoinette IV
- British Army Aeroplane No.1
- Cody British Army Aeroplane No.1
- Esnault-Pelterie REP.2
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