It has all necessary and useful functions and displays, such as Airspeed, Variometer, Altitude, GPS, Speed command, Airspace, Flight recorder etc. The Archaeopteryx is flown with a modern all-in-one hang glider flight instrument. Control and manoeuvrability at all speeds and at all flap settings is very pleasant and good. The control behaviour is well balanced and relaxing. The Archaeopteryx imparts a very safe flight sensation. The Electro-Drive is controlled by the left hand.

The wheel brake lever is is also mounted on the flap lever. The flap function is controlled by the pilot via the flap lever, on the left. The inner section flap surface, which has a large extension range is used as combined flap and airbrake. The aileron control surface is used as aileron and flap. Rudder and aileron control can be combined and both controlled from the side-stick. Yaw is controlled via the adjustable rudder pedals. The pilot controls roll and pitch via the side-stick, on the right. The race version has the comfortable feel of a sailplane and the performance gets a significant boost. This version is also well suited to the training role. In the standard version the pilot feels all the attributes of a hang glider. The cockpit enclosure shell can be fitted or removed at a later date if required. The “Electro” version is feasible only with enclosed cockpit. The Archaeopteryx is available in the “Standard” version with open cockpit or “Race” version with fully enclosed cockpit. Standard sailplane winches however, are too strong and the tow lines are too heavy. The ideal tow line force for the Archaeopteryx is at 80 daN in the same category as for paragliders and hang gliders. The Archaeopteryx has an aviation-certified nose release coupling.Ĭar towing is very well suited for training and is economical. Suitable tugs are 3-axis UL-machines or motor-gliders. Trike towing is a flexible, uncomplicated and economical launch method.Īt gliding airfields towing is possible behind slower tugs (up to 100km/h | 62 mph). This slow and reasonably priced towing aircraft is perfectly suited for towing the lightweight Archaeopteryx, having the ideal speed range. With it, the Archaeopteryx can take off independently on a hard surface and - by using a quick release auxiliary wheel - on grass. The innovative Electro-Drive motor can be fitted or removed in 5 minutes without tools.

The dedicated Archaeopteryx catapult can be prepared by the pilot alone. There are two different bungee lengths to enhance the possibilities. Safe take off is possible from a shallow as well as a steep slope. The bungee catapult allows ample possibilities on a slope. The flight controls are operational and used during the launch. The hands bear no load, the machine is not in ground contact. With suitable slope and appropriate training it is possible to launch in windless conditions. The lift off speed on a foot launch from a slope is the same as for a hang glider. The foot-launchable all-rounder All types of independent and tow launching. The whole aircraft system with pilot descends on the parachute. The pilot is connected to the aircraft and the rescue system at all times. The comfortable cockpit – open or enclosed as preferred – together with the relaxing flight characteristics, encourage long flights.Īs an additional safety feature the Archaeopteryx can be equipped with a specifically developed and tested rocket driven rescue system. The extraordinary climb performance and the good gliding performance enable extended cross country flights even when there are only light updraughts. The Archaeopteryx is flown like a conventional sailplane. The flight controls are operated by the right hand on the side stick and the left hand on the flap lever, together with the adjustable foot operated rudder pedals. Especially impressive are its well behaved flight characteristics and its outstanding climbing ability in updraughts. This unique aircraft is typified by minimum weight, simple rigging, very low minimum speed and the many different launch methods. The Archaeopteryx is a versatile high end hang-glider with conventional sailplane controls, elaborately manufactured in small batches.

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