Ader Avion III

Built in 1897, Clement Ader's steam-powered Avion III was tested at Satory/Versailles on October 12 and 14, 1897. Its last 'flight' spanned a stunning 300 m according to the builder but did not actually leave the ground if official French army sources are to be believed. Whatever the truth, the batlike Avion III would have been uncontrollable in flight and can therefore impossibly be considered as a true 'aircraft'.

The more than 100 years old machine is nowadays preserved at the Musee de l'Air at Le Bourget, France.