Replica of the first Lilienthal glider
Replica of the first Lilienthal glider
DLR reconstructed Otto Lilienthal's 'standard glider' using original plans and authentic materials. The 20-kilogram glider, with a wingspan of 6.7 metres, was scientifically tested for its flight characteristics. The results suggest that Lilienthal's fatal accident was likely caused not by a design flaw, but by unfavourable 'thermals' – atmospheric conditions.
