Further advantages include better handling, which is much more direct with a shorter roll ratio. This is improved due to the higher aspect ratio and the shape of the tip and an optimised lift distribution. Especially while flying in thermals with high bank a low induced drag is an important criterion for a good climbing. There are other advantages apart from just performance. We are now in the refinement phase of a design type, so the improvements are not as dramatic as they might at first appear. So where does the ATOS pull away from the Exxtacy? On paper, the ATOS 125 and 145 are way ahead of their predecessors in sink rate, glide and weight, and there’s a bold claim of a max L/D 19.1 but, Felix was quick to point out, “19:1 can only be reached by an optimised pilot position, even though with a much cleaner sail we think we’re being conservative with this figure.” This is an incredible figure, and compares with the Exxtacy 160’s 10.15. There are some interesting numbers to be found in the ATOS brochure, but the most interesting of all is the aspect ratio, which weighs in at a whopping 12.1 for the 145 size.
Now he is working with Felix Ruehle, who has a proven track record designing fine rigid wing hang gliders. I had heard that Gianni (at Icaro 2000) had stopped the Lumina project after its design failures. He will be working in close collaboration with Icaro in the production and distribution of his new wing. Felix recently left Flight Design, where he developed the revolutionary Exxtacy, to form his own company, AIR. Hang gliding: Felix Ruehle, previously of Pegasus and Flight Design, revealed his new ATOS design at the Thermik show, Germany, in December. Go get ’em … an Atos launches at St Andre, France