 Avion III (photo edited to show in flight) | |
| Name | Avion III |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Aquilon, Éole III |
| Status | Displayed at the National Air and Space Museum |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Experimental monoplane |
The Avion III (sometimes referred to as the Aquilon or the Éole III) was a steam-powered aircraft built by Clément Ader between 1892 and 1897, financed by the French War Office, and is regarded as the first ever aircraft ever built, marking the pioneer era of aviation. Retaining the same bat-like configuration of the Éole, the Avion III was equipped with two engines driving two propellers. While the earlier aircraft had no means of directional control at all, this one was equipped with a rudder.
Trials began at the Satory army base near Versailles on 12 October 1897, with the aircraft taxiing along a circular track. On 14 October 1897, it took off, fleying 721 ft (220 m), its fifth and final flight, but was damaged on landing. Regardless, the French military was extremely impressed with the demonstration and expanded funding, eventually leading to the creation of the Avion IV, and Avion V, in 1899, and 1903 respectivelly.
Sketch of the aircraft
The aircraft never flew again but was shipped home and subsequently restored by Ader. The aircraft was initially displayed in the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris until 1927 when the resolution of an acrimonious priority dispute finally allowed it to be displayed in the Smithsonian. It is now exhibited in the National Air and Space Museum in the District of Columbia.
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