Lange Antares
Lange Aviation · Germany · first flew 2003 · light aircraft
The Lange Antares is a German electric-motor self-launching motorglider notable for being one of the first production aircraft to use an electric motor as primary propulsion, using lithium-ion batteries to drive a retractable nose propeller. It combines glider performance with true self-launch capability.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × electric, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.4 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Electric-motor self-launching motorglider
- Retractable propeller in nose
- Carbon-fibre construction with very long span
Elegant motorglider with a retractable nose propeller and very long tapered wings; in flight with the motor stowed it resembles a pure sailplane, identifiable by the distinctive nose shape when the prop is deployed.
Specifications
- The Lange Antares has a length of 7.4 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 20 m (66 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 270 km/h (168 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Lange Aviation, the Antares 20E first flew in 2003 and represented a significant step in electric aviation, predating the broader industry interest in electric flight. The aircraft can take off and climb under electric power, then retract the motor and propeller and soar as a conventional high-performance glider. Certification was achieved under European JAR standards.
Variants
The Antares 20E is the standard electric version; the Antares 23E uses a longer 23-metre wing for enhanced performance.
Where you'll see it
Operated by private owners and gliding clubs primarily in Germany and across Europe; widely regarded as a pioneering electric aircraft.
Related aircraft
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