Georges Abrial
Abrial A-2 Vautour
The Abrial A‑2 Vautour was a French glider designed and built in the early 1930s by the pioneering aerodynamicist Georges Abrial. Named after the French word for “vulture,” the A‑2 was conceived as a high‑performance sailplane capable of exploiting weak thermals and long‑duration flights. Its construction employed a wooden frame covered with fabric, while the wing featured a distinctive gull‑shaped planform and a 12‑meter span, providing a favorable lift‑to‑drag ratio for the era. The cockpit was enclosed, a relatively rare feature among contemporary gliders, offering the pilot protection from wind and improving aerodynamic cleanliness. First flown in 1932 at the Saint‑Cyr aerodrome, the Vautour quickly demonstrated its capabilities in national contests, achieving several distance records and influencing subsequent French glider designs. Although only a handful were produced, the A‑2’s innovative wing geometry and attention to pilot comfort marked a significant step forward in sailplane development. Today the Abrial A‑2 Vautour is remembered as a testament to Georges Abrial’s vision and as an early milestone that helped shape modern high‑performance gliding. Its legacy endures in museums and in the design principles applied to contemporary competition sailplanes.