Ader Avion II
| Avion II | |
|---|---|
 Ader's 1892 steam engine, called Zéphyr, developed for Avion II, on display at the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace. | |
| General information | |
| Type | Pioneer aircraft |
| National origin | France |
| Designer | |
| Number built | 1 partially completed[1] |
| History | |
| Developed from | Ader Eole[1] |
The Avion II (originally referred to as the Zephyr (west wind) or the Éole II) was the second primitive aircraft designed by Clément Ader in 1893.[1] Most sources agree that work on it was never completed, Ader abandoning it in favour of the Avion III that had a financial backer. Ader's later claim that he flew the Avion II in August 1892 for a distance of 100 m at a field in Satory is not widely accepted.[citation needed]
Design and development
[edit]The name "Avion" was devised by Ader from Latin avis ("bird") and became the origin of the word avion, the most common in French to designate an airplane (heavier-than-air aircraft). The first official text noting it is French patent no. 205 555 granted to Ader on April 19, 1890.[citation needed]
The engine developed for Avion II, called Zéphyr was a light steam engine driving a 3 m (10 ft) diameter 4-bladed propeller, in which steam was cooled through a condenser. It yielded 22 kW (30 hp) at 480 rpm at a pressure of 15 Pa (0.00 psi), weighing 33 kg (73 lb) dry, and 134 kg (295 lb) with full boiler and accessories.[1]
See also
[edit]Related development Ader Eole Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Ader Avion III
Notes
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Opdyke, Leonard E. (1999). French Aeroplanes before the Great War. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Military History. ISBN 0 7643 0752 5.
References
[edit]- Opdyke, Leonard E. (1999). French Aeroplanes before the Great War. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Military History. ISBN 0 7643 0752 5.