Aeros Combat
| Company type | Private company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Kyiv , Ukraine |
| Products | Hang gliders |
| Website | www |
The Aeros Combat series represents a collection of high-wing, single-seat hang gliders developed and manufactured by the Kyiv-based company Aeros in Ukraine. The initial model was launched in 2000.
Design and development
Developed as a competition-oriented, single-pilot hang glider, the Combat range has undergone multiple refinements to maintain its performance edge in competitive flying.
A representative example, the Combat 2 13, features a frame constructed from aluminium tubing with wings covered in Dacron sailcloth. The wing spans 10.35 m (34.0 ft) and is supported by cable bracing without employing a kingpost or upper rigging. It has a nose angle of 131° and an aspect ratio of 7.95:1.
This wing design is also utilized in the Combat T configuration for other aircraft, including the Aeros ANT nanotrike, as well as the British ultralight trikes Flylight Libelle and Flylight Motorfloater.
Operational history
Oleg Bodnarchuk secured the title of Hang Gliding World Champion in 2005 while piloting a Combat L.
Variants
- Combat
- The original version released in 2000.
- Combat 2 13
- An enhanced edition launched in 2001, featuring a wingspan of 10.35 m (34.0 ft), a wing area measuring 13.5 m2 (145 sq ft), and an aspect ratio of 7.95:1. Designed to accommodate pilots with a hook-in weight ranging from 65 to 90 kg (143 to 198 lb).
- Combat 2 14
- This model offers a wingspan of 10.7 m (35.1 ft), wing area of 14.2 m2 (153 sq ft), and an aspect ratio of 8.05:1, suitable for pilots weighing between 75 to 105 kg (165 to 231 lb) on hook-in. It holds German DHV 3 certification.
- Combat 2 15
- Featuring a wingspan of 10.7 m (35.1 ft), wing area of 14.8 m2 (159 sq ft), and an aspect ratio of 7.85:1, this variant supports pilot hook-in weights from 80 to 110 kg (176 to 243 lb).
- Combat L
- Introduced in 2003 as an upgraded model, it boasts reduced weight and enhanced performance.
- Combat L 2006
- A further refined version launched in 2006, delivering improved performance.
- Combat L 12
- Released in 2006 for lighter pilots, this model offers superior performance.
- Combat L 07 12
- Debuted in 2007, this variant incorporates an oval crossbeam, reinforced sprogs, redesigned sail, and reduced wing area.
- Combat L 07 13
- Also introduced in 2007, it features an oval crossbeam, stiffer sprogs, updated sail design, and medium wing area.
- Combat L 07 14
- A larger wing area model from 2007 with oval crossbeam, strengthened sprogs, and refined sail design.
- Combat 09 13
- A redesigned glider presenting a new sail shape and batten profiles, along with a stiffer leading edge and a keel that is both stiffer and lighter. The wing area measures 13.7 m2 (147 sq ft).
- Combat 09 13.2
- This variant shares the redesign elements of the Combat 09 series including new sail shape, batten profiles, and reinforced leading edge and keel, featuring a wing area of 13.2 m2 (142 sq ft).
- Combat 09 13.5 GT
- A Combat 09 version with an increased aspect ratio of 8.5:1. It has a wingspan of 10.7 m (35.1 ft), a wing area of 13.5 m2 (145 sq ft), and includes a horizontal tailplane mounted on the keel.