Answer :
Final answer:
The Wright Brothers applied for patents to protect their unique three-axis control method for aircraft, which facilitated the first powered, controlled flight. Their meticulous documentation of experiments was crucial for patent applications and the advancement of aircraft design.
Explanation:
The Wright Brothers, Orville, and Wilbur, applied for patents to protect their innovative three-axis control method, which was crucial in achieving controlled flight. This method included the groundbreaking concepts of wing warping for lateral balance, a moveable rudder, and an elevator for pitch control.
Despite lacking a formal education in engineering, they leveraged extensive technical expertise from their bicycle shop work to meticulously document their scientific experiments, such as numerous glider flights, and use these insights to develop controlled and powered flight.
Their diligence in recording every aspect of their work proved invaluable not only for their patent applications but also for troubleshooting and subsequent improvements to aircraft design. In 1903, after several years of hard work and development, they made history with the first powered flight.
The securing of patents allowed them to have legal protection over their invention, which was essential as they ventured into marketing their aircraft to entities like the U.S. Army and turning their breakthrough into a viable business.