Day 3 at AERO: A Look At Sailplanes & Towplanes

The cavernous halls of the Messe truly do contain the aspirations and, let’s be honest, the dreams of literally dozens of designers. There were quite possibly more new types than I have ever seen, and I’ve been attending the Friedrichshafen show for over 20 years. Anyone who claims general aviation is dying would only need to see this show to have their viewpoint radically altered.

Gliding has always been well represented at AERO, and in the show’s 30th year all the major sailplane manufacturers were out in force. For many years AERO was a biennial event and when the organizers made it an annual show, many decided to stick with the biennial schedule and only attend on even-numbered years. There were many different permutations of self-launching and self-sustaining sailplanes on show, which utilized piston engines, electric motors and small jets.

Jonker JS3

South African company Jonker has several versions of the “engine-on-stick” solution for its JS3 single seat high performance sailplane, including an electric motor turning a two-blade propeller and a small jet.

Lightwing AC4

Also of note in the gliding hall was the Lightwing AC4. Looking a little like a stretched C42 Ikarus, the AC4 is built at Stans in Switzerland to Part 21 standards. Powered by a Rotax 915 iS, it was interesting to see how much thought had gone into providing adequate cooling while towing, even though the prop governor has its own dedicated air scoop. Other notable features include a retractable tow rope (there’s an electric winch in the baggage bay) and a rear-view camera, as well as a mirror.

Elektra Solar

A particularly intriguing machine was the Elektra Solar high-performance electric aircraft. Looking very much like a motorglider, this intriguing aircraft features a retractable monowheel, steerable tailwheel and small outriggers, although it is also available in conventional tailwheel configuration. It is typically stored in a trailer in a similar fashion to a sailplane and the company claims it can be rigged by a single person in approximately 45 minutes, although they did not explain the relevance of the individual’s marital status. The 12kW charging system incorporated into the trailer is claimed to be able to recharge a discharged battery within three hours. The manufacturers also claim that one charge equals one hour of flight time. This is almost certainly because of the very advanced aerodynamics, the machine has a high aspect ratio wing and a best L/D of around 25:1. The company claims it can cruise at 65 knots while only consuming only 12 kW/hr. Another intriguing facet was that the trailer also incorporates solar panels for charging the batteries integrated into the trailer.

Blanik Urfin Juice

A particularly unusual electrically powered ultralight glider is the Urfin Juice from Blanik Aircraft, located in Prague in the Czech Republic. This company is the holder of all the Blanik sailplane Type Certificates as well as manufacturing the distinctly distinctive Urfin Juice. This has a best glide ratio of a claimed 27:1 and can cruise at 72 knots. With one battery fitted, it can take off twice to a height of around 600 meters, while if two batteries are fitted it is capable of one hour of powered flight. It certainly did look both intriguing—and fun—while the unusual configuration of a folding pusher prop would undoubtedly pull a crowd wherever you landed.

A-I-R ATOS Wing

Staying with unusual motorgliders, the ATOS Wing from German company A-I-R also looks like it would be a lot of fun to fly. With a maximum takeoff weight of only 260kg (573 pounds)it has a claimed best glide ratio of 28:1 and a very low min sink of only 120 fpm. I think it would also be very safe, as it has an extremely slow stall speed of only 22 knots. Very quick to rig (it’s a bit like a modern tent) it’s powered by a small electric motor turning a two-blade folding prop.

Altus Motorglider

The Altus motorglider is essentially two aircraft in one, as the wing tips are easily interchangeable, changing the wingspan from 36 to 49 feet. The range is over 800 nautical miles, and it is claimed that it can take off in under 500 feet and climb at 1400 fpm. Best glide is a reasonable 24:1 and the Vne is a useful 146 knots. An intriguing option for the Altus purchaser is that it can come supplied with two fold down electric scooters that can be carried behind the cockpit. Powered by a 100-hp Rotax 912 engine, it is available as either taildragger or trigear.