Antares General Information
by Dave Nadler, North American agent for Lange Aviation GmbH
(edited 27-September-2009)
Lange Flugzeugbau's Antares 20E is in series production (as is Antares 18). 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). Dave Nadler flew his Antares 20E to 6th in the 2008 USA Open Class National championships, 4th place in the 2009 USA Open Class National championships, and (using the short 18-meter tips) 9th place in the 2009 USA 18-Meter Class National championships.
Five Antares 20Es are already in North America, and the first North American Antares 18S is in transit.
The 18-meter Antares 18 glider is also now in series production (available as pure glider or with conventional sustainer). 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 agent Dave Nadler
for more information at
Dave.Nadler@nadler.com or at 978-263-0097 (EST).
Lange Aviation GmbH - Antares Manufacturer's web site
Dave Nadler's Blog on his September 2005 trial flight in the Antares 20E
Roger Buchanan's article on the Antares, SSA's Soaring magazine, June 2004.
Fabulous video of Antares 20E For High-Speed Internet Connection Only !
YouTube - Antares 20E flight demonstration at ILA Berlin Airshow 2006
Factory Maintenance Training for USA Mechanics
Notes from Dave's factory visit December 2007
Notes from Dave's factory visit March-April 2009
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.
Battery manufacturere SAFT now expects the battery to last ~ 20 years, during which performance gradually decreases due to natural aging. After 1500 complete cycles the batteries still have 80% of their original capacity. 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 very 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
for qualified pilots 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 solo-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