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. The Archaeopteryx is flown like a conventional sailplane.
The extraordinary climb performance and the good gliding performance enable extended cross country flights even when there are only light updraughts. The comfortable cockpit – open or enclosed as preferred – together with the relaxing flight characteristics, encourage long flights.
As an additional safety feature the Archaeopteryx can be equipped with a specifically developed and tested rocket driven rescue system. The pilot is connected to the aircraft and the rescue system at all times. The whole aircraft system with pilot descends on the parachute.
Bungee Launch The bungee catapult allows ample possibilities on a slope. Safe take off is possible from a shallow as well as a steep slope. There are two different bungee lengths to enhance the possibilities. The dedicated Archaeopteryx catapult can be prepared by the pilot alone.
Electro-Drive Take-off The innovative Electro-Drive motor can be fitted or removed in 5 minutes without tools. With it, the Archaeopteryx can take off independently on a hard surface and - by using a quick release auxiliary wheel - on grass. Takeoff run on a hard surface is approx. 50 m | 164 ft, rate of climb max. 2.5 m/s | 492 fpm.
Trike-Tow This slow and reasonably priced towing aircraft is perfectly suited for towing the lightweight Archaeopteryx, having the ideal speed range. Trike towing is a flexible, uncomplicated and economical launch method.
Aerotow At gliding airfields towing is possible behind slower tugs (up to 100km/h | 62 mph). Suitable tugs are 3-axis UL-machines or motor-gliders. The Archaeopteryx has an aviation-certified nose release coupling.
Car Tow / Winch Launch Car towing is very well suited for training and is economical. The ideal tow line force for the Archaeopteryx is at 80 daN in the same category as for paragliders and hang gliders. Standard sailplane winches however, are too strong and the tow lines are too heavy.
Foot Landing With enough experience and training it is possible to foot land the aircraft. The approach is planned into wind for the foot landing. A running foot landing is also possible in still wind conditions but requires a lot of skill.
The Archaeopteryx can be rigged simply within 10 minutes. With an assistant – or alone – using a simple solo-rigging aid. No tools or extra material are required for rigging.
The unique Archaeopteryx and its equipment are hand-built for the customer in Europe.
The Archaeopteryx needs no official certification. There is no entry in the aircraft register. It is internationally recognised as a de-regulated class aircraft, for instance:
USA:
Switzerland:
Austria:
France:
Germany:
Switzerland, directly at manufacturer: Ruppert Composite GmbH
We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.