Click on the
links below
What is the performance of the ATOS?
The ATOS V has stunning performance. Its 42 ft
wingspan and efficient aerofoil give it a superb sink rate (the factory quotes 1.1m/sec
or 140fpm) at low speed and a good glide performance (up to 19:1 with all the
options and a clean pilot/harness) within the speed range of most foot-launched gliders.
In coastal lift, the ATOS will sit well above other wings, while inland, the superb
glide will get you between thermals faster and higher than most.
How is the ATOS
controlled?
The pilot controls on the ATOS are no different to
those on a flex wing, unlike previous generation rigid wings like the Fledge or EF5
which used levers or twist grips to initiate roll/yaw. The ATOS difference is that
normal side-to-side movement of the pilots body causes activation of a spoiler on the
inside wing. Unlike a flex wing, you do not need to "lead with your legs".
Pitch control is pure weight shift, just like a flex
wing.
How easy is it to
launch, land and fly?
In flight, the ATOS is a joy. The spoilers
provide the equivalent of power steering, taking the work out of weight shift. The
better sink rate and the better glide though the sinkier parts of the thermal, together
with the ability to muscle into the core using the spoilers mean that it climbs well in
tight lift. Initially, until you become familiar with the stall speeds, you may find
that you will fly it a little fast, but tightening circles and slowing down a little will
come with experience.
Takeoffs in wind in the ATOS are very easy, in fact
in some ways easier than a flex wing. Despite the 42 ft span, keeping the wings level is
actually very simple, since a lifted wing automatically deploys its spoiler and will
rotate rearward and downward. In no wind, the ATOS begins to support its weight
quickly as you run, but some practice is required since the aircraft is somewhat
tail-heavy.
Landings require a little planning due to the good
glide. However, deployment of the flaps to full reduces the glide hugely, especially
with a little speed, providing the ability to get into normal landing areas. The
flare window is wide, as the large span means that it can be slowed down substantially in
ground-effect, while the short chord makes the flare rotation very quick.
How long does the ATOS
take to set up and tear down?
The ATOS takes about as long as an advanced topless
wing to set up, once you get some practice. Teardown can be faster, since you don't have
so many battens to pull and store
How do I transport
the ATOS?
The ATOS needs well-padded racks with a recommended
minimum of three support points using 10cm minimum width flat pads. Needless to say,
you should not stack it on top of or under other gliders! As the package is fairly
wide, AIR provide handles at either end of the bag as well as at the balance point.
(The author uses a velcro-on 2-wheel trolley to make it easy to move the bagged glider
around, instead of carrying it, not because it is heavy, but because it is awkward for one
person.)
Why do some ATOS's have
tails?
The optional "V" tail for the ATOS
improves the pitch stability and feel of the wing and is highly recommended for thermal
pilots.
Should the ATOS be
my first glider?
The ATOS is probably not your first wing, but is an
easy step up from an intermediate flex wing hang glider. Before transitioning to the
ATOS, you should have consolidated your takeoff, landing, approach and descision-making
skills to at least an intermediate level.
What's the difference
between the ATOS V and the earlier models?
The ATOS V provides improved performance
over previous versions and includes:
- An Improved sail cut which
encloses the ends of the ribs better, giving a cleaner trailing edge.
- The ATOS-C bottom cables which eliminate the front control bar cables.
This gives less drag as well as eliminating clontrol bar slop.
- A partially composite keel
- Low profile spoilers - including a thin aluminium spoiler option.
- Cleaner tips.
- A VX model for tandem of heavy pilots which adds another 4 ft of span
and a pair of auxillary spoilers.
- The V-tail is standard on the V models.
- Low drag control bar options.
Can I upgrade my
ATOS?
Older ATOS's can be upgraded to the latest
specification. However, some of the upgrade options such a the new control
wire/nosewire system on the ATOS V and C cannot be retrofitted without some composite work
done on the main spars. This is best done at the A-I-R factory and may not be an
option for pilots in some countries where the shipping costs would be prohibitive.
Where can I get more
information?
Try the A-I-R web site, or the following URL's
A-I-R (the
manufacturer)
Sonoma Wings (ATOS users
manual etc...)
www.flyatos.com (from Vince Endter, lots of
advice)
Davis Straub and the Oz Report (generally has
ATOS news as it breaks)
|