What was the name of the Wright brothers’ 1905 airplane later preserved in Dayton?

The Wright brothers’ 1905 airplane preserved in Dayton is the Wright Flyer III.

Built and tested at Huffman Prairie near Dayton, Ohio, Flyer III incorporated major changes after the brothers’ difficult 1903 and 1904 experiences. It had improved controls, a stronger structure, and a more effective elevator and rudder arrangement. These changes made sustained, repeatable maneuvering possible.

Flyer III is widely regarded as the first practical airplane. On October 5, 1905, Wilbur flew it for 39 minutes and 23 seconds, covering about 24 miles. That performance was far beyond the short hops of the 1903 machine.

The aircraft is preserved at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton. It should not be confused with the original 1903 Wright Flyer, which is displayed at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. The two aircraft represent different stages of the Wrights’ development.