Alatus Ultralight Sailplane

Flylight are the sole UK importers for the Alatus Ultralight Sailplane, and Alatus-M self-launching variant, manufactured by Aerola in the Ukraine.

Formerly known as the AL12 (and AL12M) in collaboration with Aeros, the Alatus is an evolution from Aerola's high-performance rigid hang-glider wing, the Phantom. Unlike most of its contemporaries, the Phantom uses ailerons for roll control, facilitating development into a conventional 3-axis control system. The marriage of the wings to a low-drag lightweight fuselage have improved the Best L/D ratio to 27:1. Simply applying the effective flaps will reduce this to 8:1, and the slow stall speed (and wheel brakes) of the aircraft makes very short field landings possible. Extensive use of carbon-fibre and other composites have enabled the entire aircraft to weigh less than 90kg, giving a sink rate of around 0.5m/s. A sub-80kg glider is also available for a slight cost increase that exempts the Alatus from EASA glider CofA requirements. All Alatus' are fitted for aerotow or winch launch, and are riggable by a single person. Optional hardpoints for later fitment of the self-launching motor unit can be specified when ordering. When derigged, the entire aircraft can be carried by most family cars, allowing storage at home and eliminating the need for expensive trailers. Finally, the spacious and comfortable cockpit has both an adjustable backrest and pedals, allowing pilots up to 195cm in height and 100kg in weight to fly- an amazing technical achievement for such a light glider!

The Alatus-M self-launcher motor variant of the Alatus can be flown under the Single-Seat DeRegulated category of microlights. This category allows any pilot with a microlight (fixed-wing) licence/ NPPL or full JAR Group A licence to fly the Alatus-M, and be responsible for their own inspection and maintenance- thus bringing the cost of ownership down to hang-glider levels. This opens up new potential for existing power and soaring pilots alike.

The retractable motor unit uses a Corsair engine to provide good taxying and takeoff performance, as well as in-flight electric restart. The unit can be removed for storage (or to return to standard Alatus glider spec), and still maintains the single-person rig and storage attributes of the glider.

The Alatus-M promises to revolutionise gliding by allowing pilots to self-launch from small farm strips, at a minimum of cost and hassle, soar for hours in even weak conditions in one of the highest performing ultralight sailplanes on the market, all at a bargain price.

Although not required by UK law, the Alatus is currently undergoing structural and flight testing in Germany to the DULSV LFG design code for ultralight sailplanes, and the Alatus-M is being tested to the German LTF-UL microlight design code. All major parts have already passed the structural load tests at +4/-2G limit loads, plus additional composite safety factors. This testing proves the Alatus' strength and safety level.