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Musée Delta

Delta Museum in Athis-Mons: A Captivating Flight into Aviation History

Athis-Mons (Essonne) — Nestled at the southern tip of Paris-Orly Airport, the Delta Museum in Athis-Mons offers a thrilling journey into the history of aviation, through the innovative lens ofthe delta wing and the genius of its inventor, Nicolas Roland Payen.

A legacy built on aeronautical excellence

Founded on April 12, 1988, the museum was born from the symbolic transfer of Concorde 102 (registration F-WTSA) under the direction of the Athis Paray Aviation association, created by Roland Payen himself, a pioneer of the delta wing. From its earliest days, the museum faced turbulence — notably the extension of the T7 tram line, which cost it part of its exhibition space. But it took off again during the 2014 Téléthon and returned to a steady rhythm from the 2015 European Heritage Days onwards.

A collection cruising at Mach 2

The museum’s crown jewel remains Concorde 102, the legendary supersonic aircraft that completed 314 flights between 1973 and 1976 before being gifted to the town for the symbolic price of one franc. Surrounding it are other iconic aircraft: a restored Caravelle now used for firefighter training at the airport; two Mirage III jets awaiting reassembly; a Mirage III B2 trainer; a Mirage RD reconnaissance aircraft; a full-scale mock-up of the Payen Pa-100; and two ultralights, the Sirocco (Aviasud) and the Visair 1.

Recently, the museum expanded its collection with the addition of an ASTRE 2000 radome from Orly’s former control tower, dismantled in 2020. This new feature, currently being assembled, marks another step forward in the museum’s development.

An immersive experience

Open every Wednesday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from April to the end of July, the museum offers guided tours only — led by passionate volunteers. Admission is €5 for adults, €2 for children aged 5–12, and free for children under 5. Since summer 2021, visitors can also take control of an Airbus A320 flight simulator, supervised by a professional pilot, with special programs even available for those afraid of flying.

Conclusion

More than just a museum, the Delta Museum embodies aeronautical passion, technical heritage, and innovation. It celebrates the vision of local inventor Roland Payen, inviting visitors to step into the cockpit, touch the dream of supersonic travel, and discover how one shape — triangular, delta — changed the history of aviation.

A must-visit for aviation enthusiasts, technology history buffs, and anyone looking for an original excursion just minutes from Orly.

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