1935 Charles Fauvel AV.10 Flying Wing in Flight – Rare Original French Press Photo, Toussus-le-Noble Airfield

This rare original 1935 French press photograph captures one of the earliest examples of flying-wing innovation—the Fauvel AV.10, designed by renowned French aviation pioneer Charles Fauvel. Taken at the historic Toussus-le-Noble airfield, this image shows the revolutionary tailless aircraft in flight—elegant, streamlined, and decades ahead of its time.

The typed caption on reverse (in French) reads:

"Un nouvel avion d'aile volante de Fauvel à l'aérodrome de Toussus-le-Noble.
Caractéristiques: Bi place de 10m 40 d'envergure, 18m² 55 de surface portante, poids vide 280 kg, poids total 530 kg, muni d'un moteur Poinsard de 75 chevaux, atteint la vitesse de croisière de 185 km à l'heure. Voici l'avion en plein vol."
Mondial Photo Presse – 27/5/35

English Translation:

"A new flying-wing airplane by Fauvel at Toussus-le-Noble airfield.
Two-seater, 10.40 m wingspan, 18.55 m² wing area, empty weight 280 kg, total weight 530 kg, powered by a 75 hp Poinsard engine, achieving a cruising speed of 185 km/h. Here is the aircraft in full flight."
Mondial Photo Presse – May 27, 1935

Aircraft Identification:
This is the Fauvel AV.10, one of the earliest true flying-wing aircraft of the 20th century. Unlike conventional aircraft with fuselages and tail surfaces, Fauvel’s designs were tailless, compact, and highly efficient. His work is often cited as a precursor to later advanced flying-wing aircraft, including designs by Northrop and modern stealth aircraft.

Historical Significance:

• Charles Fauvel was a pioneer in aerodynamic innovation, and his AV-series flying wings were the forerunners of postwar experimental aircraft.

• The AV.10, introduced in the 1930s, reflected a bold shift in aircraft design with an emphasis on simplicity, efficiency, and stability.

• This photograph, dated May 27, 1935, and issued by Mondial Photo Presse, provides direct historical documentation of an actual test flight—making it an important collectible for aviation historians, museums, and aerospace design enthusiasts.

Key Features:

• Aircraft: Fauvel AV.10 (flying wing)

• Date: May 27, 1935

• Photographer/Agency: Mondial Photo Presse

• Caption: Full original typed caption in French (with specifications)

• Location: Toussus-le-Noble airfield, France

• Subject: Aircraft in flight – early flying-wing innovation

• Medium: Vintage original press photograph with detailed reverse caption