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A-I-R Atos

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German hang glider

Role Hang gliderType of aircraft
National origin Germany
Manufacturer A-I-R GmbH
Designer Felix Ruehle
Introduction 1998
Status In production
Number built 1250
Variants Ultralight Design Atos Trike

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.

Design and development

The 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.

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.

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).

Later model Atos are compatible with the Swedish Aerosport Mosquito power pack.

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.

Operational history

The Atos series have been flown in the rigid wing class in World Hang Gliding Championships since 1999 and have won titles on many occasions.

Variants

Atos C 135
Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 11.4 m (37 ft), wing area of 11.6 m (125 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 11.3:1. DHV certification.
Atos C 160
Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 12.82 m (42.1 ft), wing area of 13.6 m (146 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 12.1:1. DHV certification.
Atos C Classique 135
Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 11.4 m (37 ft), wing area of 11.6 m (125 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 11.3:1. DHV certification.
Atos C Classique 160
Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 12.82 m (42.1 ft), wing area of 13.6 m (146 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 12.1:1. DHV certification.
Atos C+ 135
Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 11.4 m (37 ft), wing area of 11.6 m (125 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 11.3:1. DHV certification.
Atos C+ 160
Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 12.82 m (42.1 ft), wing area of 13.6 m (146 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 12.1:1. DHV certification.
Atos VS
Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 11.4 m (37 ft), wing area of 11.8 m (127 sq ft), aspect ratio of 11.8:1 and glide ratio of 19:1. DHV certification.
Atos V
Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 12.8 m (42 ft), wing area of 14.1 m (152 sq ft), aspect ratio of 12.1:1 and glide ratio of 19:1. DHV certification.
Atos VQ
Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 13.4 m (44 ft), wing area of 14.2 m (153 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 13.5:1. DHV certification.
Atos VR/VR10
Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 13.8 m (45 ft), wing area of 14.7 m (158 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 13.3:1. DHV certification.
Atos VX
Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 14.0 m (45.9 ft), wing area of 16.0 m (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.

Specifications (Atos VX)

Data from A-I-R

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Capacity: one passenger
  • Wingspan: 14.0 m (45 ft 11 in)
  • Wing area: 16.0 m (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

  1. ^ Bertrand, Noel; Rene Coulon; et al: World Directory of Leisure Aviation 2003-04, page 40. Pagefast Ltd, Lancaster OK, 2003. ISSN 1368-485X
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ A-I-R GmbH (2 January 2012). "Model Overview, Facts and Data". Retrieved 1 February 2012.
  4. Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et al: World Directory of Light Aviation 2015-16, page 244. Flying Pages Europe SARL, 2015. ISSN 1368-485X

External links

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