A I R Atos

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.

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 m² (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 m² (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 m² (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 m² (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 m² (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 m² (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 m² (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 m² (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 m² (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 m² (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 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.

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 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