1931 Dick Devine First Rocket Glider Test Flight – Palos Verdes Hills, CA – ACME Press Photo

This original ACME press photograph, dated June 28, 1931, captures aviation history in the making—Dick Devine with his pioneering rocket-powered glider during its first successful test flight in the Palos Verdes Hills, near Redondo, California.

The glider, designed by Devine, was outfitted with  4-pound rockets, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 100 mph after being catapult-launched from the ground. The image shows Devine kneeling beside his craft, proudly displaying the rocket installation —an early and ambitious experiment in rocket-propelled aviation.

Press stampings and original ACME/P&A photo caption remain affixed to the reverse, verifying authenticity. This photo captures a rare moment in the transition from sailplane innovation to the early exploration of rocket propulsion—just two decades before jet-powered flight became commonplace.

Condition: Very good, with minor edge wear and light handling marks consistent with archival press use. Caption sheet intact.
Size: Approx. 8" x 10"
Photographer/Agency: ACME News Pictures, P&A Photo Service
Date: June 28, 1931