The Atos was originally designed as a competition rigid wing hang glider in 1998, with production commencing the following year. Since then the design has undergone almost continuous refinement and a succession of model numbers. It remained in production in 2012.[1][2]
The Atos gliders are designed for folding for ground transportation. The largest model, the Atos VX, for example, can be folded into 5.80 x 0.48 x 0.20m (19.0 x 1.57 x 0.66 feet) in 18 minutes and weighs 47.5 kg (105 lb).[3]
The Atos series have been flown in the rigid wing class in World Hang Gliding Championships since 1999 and have won titles on many occasions.[2]
Variants
Atos C 135
Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 11.4 m (37 ft), wing area of 11.6 m2 (125 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 11.3:1. DHV certification.[1]
Atos C 160
Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 12.82 m (42.1 ft), wing area of 13.6 m2 (146 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 12.1:1. DHV certification.[1]
Atos C Classique 135
Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 11.4 m (37 ft), wing area of 11.6 m2 (125 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 11.3:1. DHV certification.[1]
Atos C Classique 160
Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 12.82 m (42.1 ft), wing area of 13.6 m2 (146 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 12.1:1. DHV certification.[1]
Atos C+ 135
Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 11.4 m (37 ft), wing area of 11.6 m2 (125 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 11.3:1. DHV certification.[1]
Atos C+ 160
Model c. 2003 with a wingspan of 12.82 m (42.1 ft), wing area of 13.6 m2 (146 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 12.1:1. DHV certification.[1]
Atos VS
Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 11.4 m (37 ft), wing area of 11.8 m2 (127 sq ft), aspect ratio of 11.8:1 and glide ratio of 19:1. DHV certification.[3]
Atos V
Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 12.8 m (42 ft), wing area of 14.1 m2 (152 sq ft), aspect ratio of 12.1:1 and glide ratio of 19:1. DHV certification.[3]
Atos VQ
Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 13.4 m (44 ft), wing area of 14.2 m2 (153 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 13.5:1. DHV certification.[3]
Atos VR/VR10
Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 13.8 m (45 ft), wing area of 14.7 m2 (158 sq ft) and aspect ratio of 13.3:1. DHV certification.[3]
Atos VX
Model c. 2012 with a wingspan of 14.0 m (45.9 ft), wing area of 16.0 m2 (172 sq ft), aspect ratio of 12.6:1 and glide ratio of 20:1. The VX is certified under DHV for two-place operations.[3]