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April 16, 2002
USU's Wright Flyer Replica Project Receives National Centennial Designation, Launches Web Site

By Mary-Ann Muffoletto
USU Public Relations

LOGAN, UTAH -- Utah State University's Wright Flyer replica project has been designated an official centennial event by the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission and recently launched its own Web site at www.usuwrightflyer.org.

USU and Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) announced plans in August 2001 to build the "USU Wright Flyer," a futuristic replica of the 1905 Wright Flyer in honor of the 100th anniversary of powered flight. The two-year project, which culminates in the flight of the aircraft at the Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003 celebration in Ohio in July of that year, is capturing the energies and imaginations of USU students as they tackle the challenge of designing and constructing a replica using space age composites.

"Excitement and momentum are building as we move forward with the project," said David Widauf, associate professor in the industrial technology and education department of Utah State's College of Engineering and executive director for the replica project. "It's been incredible to watch our mechanical engineering students and aviation technology students work together to find solutions."

The group completed a quarter-scale model of the replica and presented it to Utah legislators and visitors to the Olympic games at several display venues. Former Utah senator Jake Garn is among the flight enthusiasts who have tossed their flying caps in the ring to pilot the aircraft.

The project also caught the eye of the US Air Force, which has become a major partner in promoting the project and providing logistical support for a planned educational tour en route to Dayton.

Also providing assistance with the project is the National Composite Center. The Kettering, Ohio-based organization will help showcase the replica during centennial events.

"The central focus of our project is to provide a unique and exciting educational opportunity for young people," said Widauf. "Building the USU Wright Flyer is not only a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our student designers, it's an awesome educational outreach tool for Utah's children."

Construction of the full-scale replica is underway thanks to significant contributions of composite materials from Hexcel Corporation, Metal Matrix Composites and Patterned Composites, Inc., all Utah-based companies. Other in-kind donors include Catto Props and Horizon Hobbies.

Information about the US Centennial of Flight Commission is available at www.centennialofflight.gov. Additional information about Inventing Flight: Dayton 2003 activities is available at www.inventingflight.com.