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  • Easy Glider: Natural speed range (30 – 130 km/h | 19 – 81 mph), very good stall behaviour.

    "That was the best sailplane flying experience I ever had.”
    Tim Snow, USA, Hang glider and sailplane pilot after his third Archaeopteryx flight.
  • Low approach speed with flaps. Land in the smallest space without stress. Safety feature – built in rocket-deployed system rescue parachute, no emergency exit.

    “Thanks to the well behaved and solid performance of the Archaeopteryx, I was able to climb again and complete the cross country.”
    Franz Pacheiner, AUT, Cross country pilot.
  • Lightest sailplane in the World (61 kg | 134 lbs). Discover new horizons!

    “Symbiosis of hang-glider and sailplane.“
    Roger Ruppert, CH, Development.
  • High-tech. Swiss-made.

    “Unbelievably well made and well balanced aircraft.”
    Peter Eicher, AUS, First customer.
  • Light components, automatic connecting controls, no tools. Quick, simple rigging (10 min) with or without assistant. Storage and transport in trailer.

    “Very well thought out."
    Michael Keller, CH, engineer, sailplane pilot and now Archaeopteryx-Pilot.
  • An absolute All-rounder: From local micro lift soaring up to 600 km | 375 mi cross-countries. Glide ratio 28.

    “The Archaeopteryx is certainly the highest performance, best balanced and and simplest to fly hang-glider of the age.”
    Andy Hediger, ARG/CH, founder of the Flight Sport University in Argentina.
  • How to get airborne? You can do that how and where you like: Foot or bungee launch from a slope, winch or Electro-drive start from level ground, air tow (max. 100 km/h | 62 mph) or car tow.

    “I can do anything with the Archaeopteryx.“
    Philippe Bernard, CH, free flight pioneer, sailplane pilot, UL-Pilot.
  • All in one machine, anywhere, anytime. Quick change (5 min) from pure glider to electro glider and back. All without tools, depending on your requirements on the day.

    “The elegance of harmony.“
    Andy Hediger, CH, Test pilot.
  • Push button engagement and disengagement of Electro-Drive anytime. Climb (max. 2.5 m/s | 492 fpm) or in cruise.

    “Electric flight is cool!”
  • Sink-rate like a sailplane (0.5 m/s | 98 fpm). Manoeuvrability like a hang-glider.

    “This aircraft has bettered all our expectations. Very easy to fly, climbs in the slightest updraught.“
    Marlies Eicher, AUS, Cross-Country pilot.
  • How to get airborne? You can do that how and where you like: Foot or bungee launch from a slope, winch or Electro-drive start from level ground, air tow (max. 100 km/h | 62 mph) or car tow.

    “I can do anything with the Archaeopteryx.“
    Philippe Bernard, CH, free flight pioneer, sailplane pilot, UL-Pilot.
  • All in one machine, anywhere, anytime. Quick change (5 min) from sailplane to electro sailplane and back. All without tools, depending on your requirements on the day.

    “The elegance of harmony.“
    Andy Hediger, CH, Test pilot.
  • Easy Glider: Natural speed range (30 – 130 km/h | 19 – 81 mph), very good stall behaviour.

    "That was the best sailplane flying experience I ever had. ”
    Tim Snow, USA, Hang-glider and sailplane pilot after his third Archaeopteryx flight.
  • Light components, automatic connecting controls, no tools. Quick, simple rigging (10 min) with or without assistant. Storage and transport in trailer.

    “Very well thought out."
    Michael Keller, CH, engineer, sailplane pilot and now Archaeopteryx-Pilot.
  • Push button engagement and disengagement of Electro-Drive anytime. Climb (max. 2.5 m/s | 492 fpm) or in cruise.

    “Electric flight is cool!”
  • Sink-rate like a sailplane (0.5 m/s | 98 fpm). Manoeuvrability like a hang-glider.

    “This aircraft has bettered all our expectations. Very easy to fly, climbs in the slightest updraught.“
    Marlies Eicher, AUS, Cross-Country pilot.
  • Low approach speed with flaps. Land in the smallest space without stress. Safety feature – built in rocket-deployed system rescue parachute, no emergency exit.

    “Thanks to the well behaved and solid performance of the Archaeopteryx, I was able to climb again and complete the cross country.”
    Franz Pacheiner, AUT, Cross country pilot.
  • Lightest sailplane in the World (61 kg | 134 lbs). Discover new horizons!

    “Symbiosis of hang-glider and sailplane.“
    Roger Ruppert, CH, Development.
  • High-tech. Swiss-made.

    “Unbelievably well made and well balanced aircraft.”
    Peter Eicher, AUS, First customer.
  • An absolute All-rounder: From local micro lift soaring up to 600 km | 375 mi cross-countries. Glide ratio 28.

    “The Archaeopteryx is certainly the highest performance, best balanced and and simplest to fly hang-glider of the age.”
    Andy Hediger, ARG/CH, founder of the Flight Sport University in Argentina.
  • An absolute All-rounder: From local micro lift soaring up to 600 km | 375 mi cross-countries. Glide ratio 28.

    „The Archaeopteryx is certainly the highest performance, best balanced and and simplest to fly hang-glider of the age.“
    Andy Hediger, ARG/CH, founder of the Flight Sport University in Argentina.
  • All in one machine, anywhere, anytime. Quick change (5 min) from sailplane to electro sailplane and back. All without tools, depending on your requirements on the day.

    „The elegance of harmony.“
    Andy Hediger, CH, Test pilot.
  • Low approach speed with flaps. Land in the smallest space without stress. Safety feature – built in rocket-deployed system rescue parachute, no emergency exit.

    „Thanks to the well behaved and solid performance of the Archaeopteryx, I was able to climb again and complete the cross country.“
    Franz Pacheiner, AUT, Cross country pilot.
  • How to get airborne? You can do that how and where you like: Foot or bungee launch from a slope, winch or Electro-drive start from level ground, air tow (max. 100 km/h | 62 mph) or car tow.

    „I can do anything with the Archaeopteryx.“
    Philippe Bernard, CH, free flight pioneer, sailplane pilot, UL-Pilot.
  • Lightest sailplane in the World (61 kg | 134 lbs). Discover new horizons!

    „Symbiosis of hang-glider and sailplane.“
    Roger Ruppert, CH, Development.
  • Push button engagement and disengagement of Electro-Drive anytime. Climb (max. 2.5 m/s | 492 fpm) or in cruise.

    „Electric flight is cool!“
  • High-tech. Swiss-made.

    „Unbelievably well made and well balanced aircraft.“
    Peter Eicher, AUS, First customer.
  • Light components, automatic connecting controls, no tools. Quick, simple rigging (10 min) with or without assistant. Storage and transport in trailer.

    „Very well thought out."
    Michael Keller, CH, engineer, sailplane pilot and now Archaeopteryx-Pilot.
  • Sink-rate like a sailplane (0.5 m/s | 98 fpm). Manoeuvrability like a hang-glider.

    “This aircraft has bettered all our expectations. Very easy to fly, climbs in the slightest updraught.“
    Marlies Eicher, AUS, Cross-Country pilot.
  • Easy Glider: Natural speed range (30 – 130 km/h | 19 – 81 mph), very good stall behaviour.

    "That was the best sailplane flying experience I ever had. "
    Tim Snow, USA, Hang-glider and sailplane pilot after his third Archaeopteryx flight.

   Portrait of the Archaeopteryx

Demo-Clip

Demo-Clip

...
In Flight

In Flight

...
Launching

Launching

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Landing

Landing

...
  • Demo-Clip
  • In Flight
  • Launching
  • Landing
  • Demo-Clip

    All-in-one

    VIDEO IN LIGHTBOX ABSPIELEN
  • In Flight

    The super lightweight all-rounder

    The Archaeopteryx is a versatile high end hang-glider with conventional sailplane controls, elaborately manufactured in small batches. This unique aircraft is typified by minimum weight, simple rigging, very low minimum speed and the many different launch methods. Especially impressive are its well behaved flight characteristics and its outstanding climbing ability in updraughts.

    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.
  • Launching

    The foot-launchable all-rounder

    All types of independent and tow launching.

    Foot Launch The lift off speed on a foot launch from a slope is the same as for a hang glider. With suitable slope and appropriate training it is possible to launch in windless conditions. The hands bear no load, the machine is not in ground contact. The flight controls are operational and used during the launch.
    Video-Clip Foot Launch

    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.
    Video-Clip Bungee Launch

    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.
    Video-Clip Electro-Drive Take-off

    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.
    Video-Clip Trike-Tow

    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.
    Video-Clip Aerotow

    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.
    Video-Clip Car Tow

  • Landing

    The short landing machine

    Space saving landings on hang glider sites.

    Landing on the undercarriage The approach speed is very low and the glidepath angle can be controlled with the generous flap. This permits stress free small space approaches and landings on typical hang glider operating sites, and the smallest of emergency fields - but on normal airfields too of course.
    Video-Clip Landing

    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.
    Video-Clip Foot Landing
  • Demo-Clip
  • In Flight
  • Launching
  • Landing

   Characteristics and Data

Technical Data

Technical Data

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Cockpit

Cockpit

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Performance

Performance

...
Safety

Safety

...
  • Technical Data
  • Cockpit
  • Performance
  • Safety
  • Technical Data


    data
  • Cockpit

    Cockpit-Versions
    The Archaeopteryx is available in the “Standard” version with open cockpit or “Race” version with fully enclosed cockpit. The “Electro” version is feasible only with enclosed cockpit. The cockpit enclosure shell can be fitted or removed at a later date if required.

    In the standard version the pilot feels all the attributes of a hang glider. This version is also well suited to the training role. The race version has the comfortable feel of a sailplane and the performance gets a significant boost.

    Flight Controls
    The pilot controls roll and pitch via the side-stick, on the right. Yaw is controlled via the adjustable rudder pedals. Rudder and aileron control can be combined and both controlled from the side-stick. The aileron control surface is used as aileron and flap. The inner section flap surface, which has a large extension range is used as combined flap and airbrake. The flap function is controlled by the pilot via the flap lever, on the left. The wheel brake lever is is also mounted on the flap lever. The Electro-Drive is controlled by the left hand.

    The Archaeopteryx imparts a very safe flight sensation. The control behaviour is well balanced and relaxing. Control and manoeuvrability at all speeds and at all flap settings is very pleasant and good.

    Flight Instruments
    The Archaeopteryx is flown with a modern all-in-one hang glider flight instrument. It has all necessary and useful functions and displays, such as Airspeed, Variometer , Altitude, GPS, Speed command, Airspace, Flight recorder etc. There is a separate display for the Electro-Drive information.
  • Performance

    Gliding Performance
    The gliding performance of the Archaeopteryx at gliding ratio 28 (Race version) lies between conventional hang-gliders and modern sailplanes, in the region of well known wood construction sailplanes. The sink rate is only half that of a paraglider and at 0.5 m/s | 98 fpm lies in the region of high performance sailplanes.

    Climb Performance
    With its low sink rate of a high performance sailplane, the Archaeopteryx can turn as tightly as a paraglider. This makes it possible to stay aloft even with a low core updraught of 0.7 m/s | 138 fpm and at rates above that, to start making distance.

    Cross Country Performance
    For thermal cross country flights, the Archaeopteryx has an interesting potential. As a result of its outstanding climb performance and good speed range it recommends itself for target return flights, even in thermally poor weather. Closed circuit task results are roughly as follows:

    Poor day
    up to 150 km | 95 mi

    Moderate day
    150 to 300 km | 95 to 190 mi

    Good day
    300 to 500 km | 190 to 310 mi

    Best distances flown
    600 km | 375 mi

    Technische Daten
  • Safety

    Flight and Structural Safety
    There is docile and forgiving flight behaviour throughout. The Archaeopteryx does not flick at the stall – neither in level flight nor in the turn. It buffets and pitches slightly down in order to regain speed. The aircraft shows absolutely no tendency to spin. The low speeds allow time to think and act. Take off and landing speeds are low.

    Rigging and de-rigging is a simple, straightforward and safe procedure. Controls connect automatically, false procedure is not possible.

    Airworthiness and structural certification are guaranteed according the German LTF-L (previously LFG) norms. The structural integrity of the whole aircraft was tested in comprehensive detail at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences.

    Rescue System
    The Archaeopteryx can be equipped with a specifically developed and tested rescue system, for complete aircraft with pilot. The parachute is extracted by a pyrotechnic rocket, quickly, reliably and in any attitude.

    The firing handle is directly next to the side-stick, so the pilot can find it quickly in an emergency without a search. The large (68 m2 | 732 sq.ft) parachute canopy in the latest technology brings security and imparts trust. It guarantees a low sink-rate and is connected to the aircraft and the pilot by an ingenious connection system.

    The pilot remains connected to the aircraft and the rescue system in all conditions, by his safety harness. There is no emergency exit. Even low altitudes (50m | 164 ft) can be enough for a successful deployment and rescue.
  • Technical Data
  • Cockpit
  • Performance
  • Safety

   Transport / Rigging

Transport

Transport

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Rigging

Rigging

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  • Transport
  • Rigging
  • Transport

    Ready to go!

    Trailer

    The concept of a combined trailer and jig system has been specially developed for transporting and storing the extremely lightweight Archaeopteryx. There are three different trailer makes available for the Archeopteryx and one transport jig system which fits all. Furthermore, complete plans with exact dimensions are available free of charge, for customers who wish to build their own trailers.


    TRANSPORT JIG SYSTEM

    TRANSPORT JIG SYSTEM
    Product Image

    The correct transport jig system to fit the individual components, manufactured from hard styropor, wood and felt. Holds all parts safely in the trailer, workshop or hangar. The transport jig system is available as required as a complete assembled ready-for-use system or as a kit with detailed building plans.

    TRAILER MAKE AVIONIC

    TRAILER MAKE ANSCHAU

    TRAILER MAKE CLEVERTRAILER

  • Rigging

    Rigging - Easy and quick!

    The individual components complete with the light jig system are pulled out of the trailer on rollers. The light weight makes the rigging task a pleasure. The wings and tailplanes are fitted to the fuselage using just six easily accessible ball locking pins. The flight controls connect to the control surfaces automatically. Winglets and Propeller are fitted with spring loaded latches.

    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 initial and final sequence in the video show some rigging & de-rigging...


    VIDEO IN LIGHTBOX ABSPIELEN

    Contact us! Send us a mail!

  • Transport
  • Rigging

   Origin

Manufacturing

Manufacturing

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History

History

...
  • Manufacturing
  • History
  • Manufacturing

    Construction of the Archaeopteryx is unique. New lightweight building techniques were developed especially. The lightness of the construction is based on weight-optimised design and on precise fabrication using CNC cut moulds throughout. Cleverly employed high quality materials such as carbon - aramid - or glass - fibres, PMI hard foam, aramid honeycomb, high durability aluminium, stainless steel, etc. are used. The high value mould manufacture is reflected in the quality of the aircraft.

    The unique Archaeopteryx and its equipment are hand-built for the customer in Europe.
  • History

    1998: Study of Concept (Zurich University of Applied Sciences, ZHAW)
    2001: Prototype Maiden Flight (Zurich University of Applied Sciences, ZHAW)
    2002: Project acceptance by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation, FOCA
    2006: Production version development start (Ruppert Composite)
    2010: Archaeopteryx Glider, first delivery
    2014: Archaeopteryx Electro, first delivery
  • Manufacturing
  • History

   Certification / Training

Certification

Certification

...
Training / Licence

Training / Licence

...
  • Certification
  • Training / Licence
  • Certification

    Aircraft is free to fly.

    FAI-Competition class: Hang-glider Class 2

    The manufacturer developed and tested the Archaeopteryx in cooperation with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences as a hang-glider. All airworthiness requirements were fulfilled according the German airworthiness standards for aerodynamically controlled sporting aircraft up to 120 kg empty mass (LTF-L , previously known as LFG).

    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:
    Without Motor: Hang-glider Class 2
    With Electro-Drive motor: FAR Part 103 Ultralight Aircraft

    Switzerland:
    Without Motor: Rigid wing hang-glider (3-axis controlled)
    With Electro-Drive motor: Electro hang-glider

    Austria: 
    Without Motor: Hang-glider
    With Electro-Drive motor: Motorised hang-glider

    France:
    Without Motor: Deltaplane (Hang-glider) Class 2
    With Electro-Drive motor: ULM Class 3

    Germany:
    Without Motor: UL-Sailplane
    With Electro-Drive motor: UL in the 120 kg class

    Letter of commendation FAI

    FAI-Competition class: Hang-glider Class 2

  • Training / Licence

    The Easy Glider.

    There are three stages of training for flying the Archaeopteryx as follows:

    1. Basic training in a sailplane or ultra light aircraft. The aircraft must be a two seater with rudder control. Training flights with a flight instructor up to solo standard – around 20 to 40 flights.

    2. Archaeopteryx ground-school course – pilots’ handbook study and practical ground handling.

    3. Archaeopteryx flight training under supervision of a flight instructor according the prescribed training programme – around 20 flights.

    Official flying schools:

    Switzerland, directly at manufacturer: Ruppert Composite GmbH
    Switzerland, German speaking region: Airsportcenter
    Switzerland, French speaking region: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Pilots Licence:

    USA: No licences required.
    Swiss: Rigid wing hang-glider certificate, 3-axis controlled. Extn. for Electro-Drive flight.
    Austrian: Hang-glider certificate. Motorised hang-glider certificate for Electro-Drive flight.
    French: No licence required for pure glider. ULM Brevet for Electro-Drive flight.
    German: UL-sailplane certificate. UL certificate 120 kg for Electro-Drive flight.
  • Certification
  • Training / Licence

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