How Modern Airplanes Compare in Size to the Wright Brothers' Airplane

The Wright Brothers are famous for being the first individuals to fly an airplane successfully back in 1903. While the plane itself was primitive at best, it's somewhat awe-inspiring to consider just how massive and advanced aircraft have become since then.

While plenty of private airplanes and jets today are quite small, a whole host of super heavy planes that dwarf the Wright Brothers' aircraft exists today. Among some of the biggest fliers are the Boeing 747-8, the AirBus A380, and the Antonov-An 225.

Soon, another large type of aircraft will push the size boundaries of modern airplanes: the Stratolaunch. This giant flying machine will have a wingspan longer than any other aircraft flown today, and it will see its maiden flight in 2019.

Air travel has come a long way since the Wright Brothers, and at this rate, it doesn't look like air travel innovation will be slowing down anytime soon.