U.S Army Makes Official Flight Test Of Its First Airplane

July 27, 1909. Orville Wright, with Lt. Frank P. Lahm as passenger, makes the first official test flight of the Army's first airplane at Fort Myer, Va. The Wright Bothers Sells The Army Its First Aircraft. Aug. 2, 1909.

The Army accepts its first airplane, bought from the Wright Brothers for $25,000, plus $5,000 bonus because the machine exceeds the peed requirement of 40 mphs. Weight: 740 lbs. Engine: Four cylinder Wright of 30.6 hp.