The origins of French aviation are often linked to Louis Blériot's historic flight across the English Channel in 1909. However, a lesser-known but significant attempt took place twelve years earlier, in 1897, when the French government funded an experimental aircraft with bat-like wings powered by steam. This aircraft, known as l'Aquilon or the Avion III, was developed by Clément Ader, an engineer and inventor from Toulouse. The project, backed by the Ministry of War with a grant of 65,000 francs, aimed to create a machine that could achieve powered flight. During tests at the Satory military camp near Versailles, the aircraft failed to lift off the ground due to a sudden gust of wind. The official report concluded that it never actually left the ground, and the state refused to fund further trials, effectively ending the project. The Avion III was an ambitious design with a 16-meter wingspan, featuring deeply arched wings that mimicked the flight of bats. Ader, who is credited with coining the word "avion," believed that studying the flight patterns of bats could reveal the secrets of lift. His design included a four-bladed propeller made of bamboo and two steam engines, each producing 20 horsepower, to power the two-seat aircraft. This project stood in contrast to the more rudimentary, barn-built efforts typically associated with the early days of aviation, as it represented a state-sponsored attempt to explore advanced flight technology. Ader's work was not just mechanical; it was deeply influenced by nature. He studied the flight of bats extensively, believing that their wing structure provided insights into how lift could be generated. This approach, now known as biomimicry, was a forward-thinking concept at the time. Ader did not merely design the Avion III on paper—he constructed it, tested it, and persisted despite the technological limitations of the era. His determination reflects the challenges and ingenuity of early aviation pioneers. The final tests of the Avion III took place on October 12 and 14, 1897, at the Satory military camp. During the second test, a sudden gust of wind caused the aircraft to veer off course. General Louis Mensier, the official observer sent by the ministry, noted in his report that the machine never left the ground. With the funding exhausted and no further support from the state, the project was abandoned. This marked the end of the Avion III's journey, not due to technical failure but because of an administrative decision to halt the program. Louis Blériot's successful flight across the English Channel in 1909 is often seen as the starting point of modern French aviation. However, Ader's earlier attempt with the Avion III demonstrates that the French state had already invested in and pursued ambitious aeronautical experiments in the late 19th century. This overlooked episode highlights a continuity in the development of aviation, showing that the path to the successes of the early 20th century was paved by earlier, riskier experiments. The story of the Avion III offers a broader perspective on the history of French aviation, revealing a legacy of innovation and perseverance that predates the more commonly celebrated achievements.