{"id":8846,"date":"2014-05-02T20:40:41","date_gmt":"2014-05-03T03:40:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cafe.foundation\/blog\/?p=8846"},"modified":"2014-05-02T20:40:41","modified_gmt":"2014-05-03T03:40:41","slug":"archaeopteryx-electeryx-now-flying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/cafe.foundation\/blog\/archaeopteryx-electeryx-now-flying\/","title":{"rendered":"Archaeopteryx Elec’teryx Now Flying"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Archaeopteryx is more than just a good word for spelling bees, it\u2019s a high-end hang-glider \u2013 and now, depending on your bankroll and perspective, a low-end electric motorglider.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Its low weight (54 kilograms or 118.8 pounds in its most basic state) and high performance (around 25:1 lift-to-drag ratio) has helped this Swiss marvel achieve things like the 498 kilometer (308.76 mile) goal flight by Peter Eicher in Australia last October; or a 407 kilometer (252.34 mile) flight around the Swiss Alps in 2012.<\/p>\n

\"Archaeopteryx<\/a>

Basic Archaeopteryx being bungee launched. It can also be foot launched of towed by car, ultralight, or even a regular tow plane – and now self launched with an electric motor<\/p><\/div>\n

A flier can hop off a hill with the lightest and most basic form of Archaeopteryx, which features self-connecting controls, a rocket-deployed full-airplane rescue system, and a wheel brake.\u00a0\u00a0 Pilots wanting less local soaring and the option of visiting distant climes can opt for the \u201cRace\u201d model, a fully-faired version with trap doors, a wheel \u201cspat,\u201d and since you\u2019re going to be going places, side and rear luggage bags.<\/p>\n

\"Archaeopteryx<\/a>

Archaeopteryx allows true one-person assembly, rigging because of light-weight components<\/p><\/div>\n

Archaeopteryx has now been outfitted with a Czech-built MGM Compro power system, which as shown in the video, can be installed or removed through velcroed panels without dismantling the airplane.\u00a0 The clever design and the modular components make for a quick conversion from foot- or tow-launching to self-launching with an on-board powerplant.\u00a0 The airplane in this form is called the Elec’teryx, a name yet to be heard in even advanced spelling bees.<\/p>\n

\"mgm<\/a>

Motor, electric drive components can be attached or detached in five minutes – Schnelladaptiver<\/p><\/div>\n

The motorized version starts with the \u201cRace\u201d configuration and adds \u201can electric drive system consisting of propeller (with folding blades, long drive shaft, bearing, and quick disconnection device), a quick adaptive drive unit (with motor, controller, quick release pins), motor carrier, quick adaptive throttle unit, and flight-battery.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"MGM<\/a>

MGM Compro Rex 30<\/p><\/div>\n

The motor appears to be an MGM unit sold as the Rotex Electric REX 30<\/a>, a 15 to 18 kilowatt (20.1 to 24.1 horsepower) unit which can swing a 1.3 meter propeller at a leisurely\u00a0 1,800 to 2,200 rpm depending on windings.\u00a0 The REX 30 weighs 5.2 kilograms (11.44 pounds).\u00a0 Twin 14-cells-in-series, 40 Amp-hour battery packs, motor controller, battery management system, and 30- Amp battery charger complete the power pack, which can be installed or removed in about five minutes.<\/p>\n