The A-I-R Atos is a German high-wing, single-place, rigid wing hang glider designed by Felix Ruehle and produced by A-I-R GmbH of Halblech.[1]
| Role | Hang glider |
|---|---|
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | A-I-R GmbH |
| Designer | Felix Ruehle |
| Introduction | 1998 |
| Status | In production |
| Number built | 1250 |
| Variants | Ultralight Design Atos Trike |
Design and development
editThe Atos was originally designed as a competition rigid wing hang glider in 1998, with production commencing the following year. Since then the design has undergone almost continuous refinement and a succession of model numbers. It remained in production in 2012.[1][2]
The aircraft structure is made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer. The wing uses minimal cable bracing and incorporates both flaps and spoilers for roll control. The aspect ratio for most models is in the range of 11:1 or 12:1. Achieved glide ratios run as high as 20:1. Later models incorporate a horizontal tailplane for improved stability.[1][3]
The Atos gliders are designed for folding for ground transportation. The largest model, the Atos VX, for example, can be folded into 5.80 x 0.48 x 0.20m (19.0 x 1.57 x 0.66 feet) in 18 minutes and weighs 47.5 kg (105 lb).[3]
Later model Atos are compatible with the Swedish Aerosport Mosquito power pack.[3]
The wing was also later developed into an ultralight trike, the Ultralight Design Atos Trike. It can also be fitted to the Veleria Dedalo Strike-T trike.[4]
Operational history
editThe Atos series have been flown in the rigid wing class in World Hang Gliding Championships since 1999 and have won titles on many occasions.[2]
Variants
edit- Atos C 135
- Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 11.4 m (37 ft), wing area of 11.6 m2 (125 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 11.3:1. DHV certification.[1]
- Atos C 160
- Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 12.82 m (42.1 ft), wing area of 13.6 m2 (146 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 12.1:1. DHV certification.[1]
- Atos C Classique 135
- Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 11.4 m (37 ft), wing area of 11.6 m2 (125 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 11.3:1. DHV certification.[1]
- Atos C Classique 160
- Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 12.82 m (42.1 ft), wing area of 13.6 m2 (146 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 12.1:1. DHV certification.[1]
- Atos C+ 135
- Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 11.4 m (37 ft), wing area of 11.6 m2 (125 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 11.3:1. DHV certification.[1]
- Atos C+ 160
- Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 12.82 m (42.1 ft), wing area of 13.6 m2 (146 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 12.1:1. DHV certification.[1]
- Atos VS
- Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 11.4 m (37 ft), wing area of 11.8 m2 (127 sq ft), aspect ratio of 11.8:1 and glide ratio of 19:1. DHV certification.[3]
- Atos V
- Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 12.8 m (42 ft), wing area of 14.1 m2 (152 sq ft), aspect ratio of 12.1:1 and glide ratio of 19:1. DHV certification.[3]
- Atos VQ
- Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 13.4 m (44 ft), wing area of 14.2 m2 (153 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 13.5:1. DHV certification.[3]
- Atos VR/VR10
- Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 13.8 m (45 ft), wing area of 14.7 m2 (158 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 13.3:1. DHV certification.[3]
- Atos VX
- Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 14.0 m (45.9 ft), wing area of 16.0 m2 (172 sq ft), aspect ratio of 12.6:1 and glide ratio of 20:1. The VX is certified under DHV for two-place operations.[3]
Specifications (Atos VX)
editData from A-I-R[3]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: one passenger
- Wingspan: 14.0 m (45 ft 11 in)
- Wing area: 16.0 m2 (172 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 12.6:1
- Empty weight: 47.5 kg (105 lb)
- Gross weight: 231 kg (509 lb)
Performance
- Maximum glide ratio: 20:1
- Rate of sink: 0.6 m/s (120 ft/min) while solo
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 40. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
- ^ a b A-I-R GmbH (2 January 2012). "ATOS - made by A-I-R, The new definition of hang gliding". Archived from the original on 24 January 2012. Retrieved 1 February 2012.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i A-I-R GmbH (2 January 2012). "Model Overview, Facts and Data". Retrieved 1 February 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 244. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X