COMPANY OFFERS ELECTRIC SELF-LAUNCHING GLIDER

It has been a dream for many glider pilots to be able to launch themselves under clean and quiet electric power then hear nothing but wind noise as they shut down the motor and soar.

Thanks to a lightweight and powerful lithium-ion battery system, a German company, Lange Flugzeugbau is now producing the Antares 20E. Designed by renowned sailplane guru, Loek Boermans, the 20-meter wingspan glider can climb at 850 fpm up to 10,000 feet on one battery charge. The 57-horsepower motor and propeller, mounted behind the pilot then folds beneath trap doors.

The glider has an Open Class level glide ration of 56 to 1. Unlike gas-powered self-launching ships, the Antares can develop full power at high-density altitudes.

The current price is around $215,000 which includes instruments and a trailer. Dave Nadler, the North American dealer, said the glider is close to certification in Germany, but will be sold as an experimental aircraft in the Untied States and be available next spring.
See Nadler's Antares blog.

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The Antares 20E 20-meter Electric Self-Launch Motor-Glider

Lange Flugzeugbau's Antares 20E is now in series production. The aerodynamic design of Antares 20E is Loek Boermans' latest and best effort (before Concordia at any rate !). This new 20-meter supership features the nimble handling of the 15-meter class with open class performance. Maximum L/D is 56:1 at 62 knots, minimum sink is just 98 fpm, and a very flat polar gives faster cruise speeds than older machines. 18-meter wingtips are available as an option.

The electric propulsion system features a Single-Lever Control for simple and stress-free operation. It takes just 10 seconds to transition from gliding to powered flight and just 15 seconds from powered to gliding flight, with extremely low pilot workload. The 57hp motor gives a 850 fpm maximum climb rate. One battery charge gives about 10,000 feet climb, enough for take-off plus a large reserve for self-retrieve if needed. Unlike gas-powered machines without turbochargers, full power is available at high density altitudes.

A half-dozen Antares 20E will be delivered to USA in 2006, and delivery positions are available in early 2007.

Contact Lange's North American representative Dave Nadler for more information at
Dave.Nadler@nadler.com or at 978-263-0097 (EST).

For Further Information, See...

Lange Flugzeugbau - Antares web site
Dave Nadler's Blog on Flying the Antares 20E
Roger Buchanan's article on the Antares, SSA's Soaring magazine, June 2004.
Nice video of Antares 20E For High-Speed Internet Connection Only !

See the Frequently Asked Questions following the photos.

Click on photos for enlargements

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What Kind of Gelcoat ?

Antares uses a very thin layer of a Akzo Nobel UP-Schwabbellack Weiss 4292352 gelcoat with high UV-barrier properties. Keeps the weight down and minimizes cracking. Its the same material as used on DG sailplanes (they're both finished at the same firm).

What Kind of Batteries ?

The Antares 20E uses SAFT VL41M Li-Ion cells, which provide very high energy storage per weight. SAFT VL41M batteries are also used in the RQ-4B Global Hawk, and will be built into the F35 Joint Strike Fighter in 2007.

How Long Do The Batteries Last ?

SAFT recommends replacing the battery after 8-11 years due to natural aging. After 1500 complete cycles the batteries still have 80% of their original capacity. In Antares they should last a decade (though this cannot be guaranteed). Cost of a complete set of batteries is currently 15k Euros.

How Heavy Are The Wings ?

With the batteries they're pretty heavy ! About 120 kg each (about 265 lbs). However, with the provided rigging aid, there's no need to lift except the wing-tip (about 65 lbs).

What's the Roll Rate (45 to 45 degrees) ?

No kidding about handling like a 15-meter glider:
Flap setting 0, V = 115 km/h (62 knot) 3,2 sec
Flap setting +2, V = 105 km/h (56.7 knot) 3,6 sec

What About Aerotow or Winch Launching ?

The Antares has a towhook suitable for either aerotow or winch launch. Some owners use these methods of launch and save the entire battery charge in case a long save is required.

What About Trailers ?

The Cobra 18-meter trailer is best for Antares. As equipped for Antares, the trailer includes wiring to permit easy battery charging with the glider stowed in the trailer.