La Mouette Atlas

Design and development

The Atlas was initially conceived as a competition glider, and, in that role it achieved many competitive wins. Due to its ease of handling it was also used as a flight training aircraft. As its performance was surpassed by the newer double surface and later "topless" gliders it became no longer competitive, but retained its role as a training machine. Over 8000 have been built, making it one of the most produced hang gliders ever.

The aircraft is made from aluminum tubing, with the single-surface wing covered in Dacron sailcloth. All models have a 9.3 m (30.5 ft) span wing, which is cable braced from a single kingpost. The nose angle is 120°. All models are certified as DHV Class 2.

Operational history

When the Atlas was competitive it won national championships in most European countries. It also won championships in Argentina, Brazil and Japan, as well as the European championships and world team championships.

Variants

Atlas 14

Small-size model for lighter pilots. Its wing area is 13.8 m² (149 sq ft) and the aspect ratio is 6.25:1. Empty weight is 24 kg (53 lb) and the pilot hook-in weight range is 50 to 75 kg (110 to 165 lb). The aircraft can be folded to a package as short as 2.00 m (6.56 ft) for ground transportation or storage.

Atlas 16

Large-size model for heavier pilots. Its wing area is 15.8 m² (170 sq ft) and the aspect ratio is 6.20:1. Empty weight is 25 kg (55 lb) and the pilot hook-in weight range is 65 to 95 kg (143 to 209 lb). The aircraft can be folded into a package as short as 2.20 m (7.22 ft) for ground transportation or storage.

Specifications (Atlas 16)

Data from Bertrand and La Mouette

General characteristics

Crew: one

Wingspan: 9.3 m (30 ft 6 in)

Wing area: 15.8 m² (170 sq ft)

Aspect ratio: 6.20:1

Empty weight: 25 kg (55 lb)

Gross weight: 120 kg (265 lb)

Performance

Wing loading: 7.6 kg/m² (1.6 lb/sq ft)