The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, are credited with inventing and building the first successful airplane, achieving the first sustained, controlled, and powered flight on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. 

Here's a more detailed look at their invention:

The Wright Flyer:

The brothers' first airplane, the Wright Flyer, was a biplane with a 12-horsepower gasoline engine and two pusher propellers. 

First Flight:

Orville Wright piloted the first flight, lasting only 12 seconds and covering 120 feet. 

Significance:

The Wright brothers' achievement marked the beginning of the pioneer era of aviation and changed the world forever. 

Further Development:

The Wright brothers continued to improve their airplane designs, leading to the development of more advanced aircraft and the growth of the aviation industry. 

Other Pioneers:

While the Wright brothers are credited with the first successful airplane, other individuals and groups contributed to the development of flight, including George Cayley, Otto Lilienthal, and Shivkar Bapuji Talpade.