The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, are credited with inventing and building the first successful powered airplane. Their aircraft, known as the Wright Flyer, made its first flight on December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The plane had a wingspan of 40 feet 4 inches and was powered by a 12-horsepower engine. The Wright Flyer was a biplane design, meaning it had two wings stacked one above the other. It was made of wood and fabric, and it featured a canard design, with a small wing at the front for stability. The first flight lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet, marking a significant milestone in aviation history.