Derwitzer glider

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. It first flew in 1891 and became one of the first successful manned aircraft in the world. Lilienthal used it to make flights of up to 25 metres (80 feet).

Derwitzer glider
The Derwitzer glider in flight with Lilienthal as pilot, 1891. First photo of a human in flight, by Carl Kassner.
General information
Type	Experimental glider
National origin	Germany
Manufacturer	Otto Lilienthal
Designer	Otto Lilienthal
History
First flight	1891

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