Antares General Information
(edited 19-December-2007)
Lange Flugzeugbau's Antares 20E is now in series production. The aerodynamic design of Antares 20E is Loek Boermans' latest and best effort (before Concordia at any rate !). This new 20-meter supership features the nimble handling of the 15-meter class with open class performance. Maximum L/D is 56:1 at 62 knots, minimum sink is just 98 fpm, and a very flat polar gives faster cruise speeds than older machines.
The electric propulsion system features a Single-Lever Control for simple and stress-free operation. It takes just 10 seconds to transition from gliding to powered flight and just 15 seconds from powered to gliding flight, with extremely low pilot workload. The 57hp motor gives a 850 fpm maximum climb rate. One battery charge gives about 10,000 feet climb, enough for take-off plus a large reserve for self-retrieve if needed. Unlike gas-powered machines without turbochargers, full power is available at high density altitudes.
John Williams used his Antares 20E to make a number of spectacular flights and won the overall 2007 European OLC championship (see OLC 2007 Overall European Ranking). Three Antares 20E are now flying in USA with deliveries continuing through 2008.
The Antares 18T 18-meter glider (with conventional sustainer) is now in series production. In 2007, Swiss pilot Werner Danz used his Antares 18 (the first delivered to a customer) to set a new Swiss 500km record at 140 km/h (75.6 kts).
Contact Lange's North American representative Dave Nadler
for more information at
Dave.Nadler@nadler.com or at 978-263-0097 (EST).
Lange Flugzeugbau - Antares web site
Dave Nadler's Blog on Flying the Antares 20E
Roger Buchanan's article on the Antares, SSA's Soaring magazine, June 2004.
Nice video of Antares 20E For High-Speed Internet Connection Only !
Kempton Izuno's movie of Antares motor operation at the 2007 SSA convention
Factory Maintenance Training for USA Mechanics
Notes from Dave's factory visit December 2007
Antares uses a very thin layer of a Akzo Nobel UP-Schwabbellack Weiss 4292352 gelcoat with high UV-barrier properties. Keeps the weight down and minimizes cracking. Its the same material as used on DG sailplanes (they're both finished at the same firm).
The Antares 20E uses SAFT VL41M Li-Ion cells, which provide very high energy storage per weight. SAFT VL41M batteries are also used in the RQ-4B Global Hawk, and will be built into the F35 Joint Strike Fighter in 2007.
SAFT recommends replacing the battery after 8-11 years due to natural aging. After 1500 complete cycles the batteries still have 80% of their original capacity. In Antares they should last a decade (though this cannot be guaranteed). In a decade, we should be able to replace the batteries with newer technology (better capacity and reduced cost).
With the batteries they're pretty heavy ! About 120 kg each (about 265 lbs). However, with the provided rigging aid, there's no need to lift except the wing-tip (about 65 lbs).
No kidding about handling like a 15-meter glider:
Flap setting 0, V = 115 km/h (62 knot) 3,2 sec
Flap setting +2, V = 105 km/h (56.7 knot) 3,6 sec
The just-published flight test of a new 15-meter racing
glider shows a roll rate slower than Antares 20E !
The Antares has a towhook suitable for either aerotow or winch launch. Some owners use these methods of launch and save the entire battery charge in case a long save is required.
The Cobra 18-meter trailer is best for Antares. As equipped for Antares, the trailer includes wiring to permit easy battery charging with the glider stowed in the trailer.
If you have completely discharged the batteries, it takes about 12 hours to recharge. At 110 volts, the charging current is a bit under 15 amps, similar power to a big hair-dryer. The charger (built into the fuselage) can take either 110v or 220v voltage.
The factory is happy for you to visit and trial
flights of the Antares 20E or the 18S pure-sailplane
can be easily arranged. The runway (identifier EDRZ)
is 3km (10,000 feet) long and equipped with
ILS both ends, if you want to fly in your
private jet ;-)
Its easy to fly into Frankfurt and travel to
Zweibruecken by train.
Find your train times here:
Deutsche Bahn Schedules,
Example connection Zweibruecken to Frankfurt Airport.
Within Europe, Franfurt-Hahn airport is closer and inexpensive via Rynair.
Caution: If you fly an Antares, you will need to buy one.
With the wingtips off, the 20E is about 58 feet span (about 1 foot less than 18-meters). Of course, its also extremely quick and easy to assemble (really - I keep mine in the trailer and self-assemble prior each day's flying).
To ensure good service and support in USA, Dave Nadler and three experienced motorglider mechanics attended a factory training course in November 2006. Factory Maintenance Training