1841-1925

French aviation pioneer who experimented with aircraft beginning in 1882. He designed and later built several machines with bat-shaped wings. He attempted to fly one, the steamengine-powered Eole, in 1890. Although he took off, he failed to remain airborne. Later craft also failed, even though Ader later claimed he had succeeded. He is credited, however, with inventing the French term for airplane, avion.