A-I-R Atos

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

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.[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

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.[2]

Variants
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)

Data 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
  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
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