| LATEST NEWS |
.gif){kind=spacer}
|
|
||
 |
Home Page | |
 |
News & Events | |
|
Company | |
|
Location | |
|
Products | |
|
Used aircraft | |
|
Photogallery | |
|
Videogallery | |
|
Articles | |
|
F.A.Q. | |
|
Links | |
|
Contacts | |
 |
||
|
||
 |
||
|
||
 |
||
|
||
April 2007 - Wave Flying in Oregon, USA |
||
| Joe Marin has had some exceptional flights from his home field in Hood River, Oregon, USA. He shares several photos of a memorable wave flight over Mt. Hood on the 18th of April in his Silent 2 self-launcher. Flight details are:
Aircraft: Silent 2 No. 2019 N747MH |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
April
2007, Wallaby Ranch, Florida, USA |
||
| Alisport was present at
Wallaby Ranch in central Florida from Thursday April 19th through
Sunday morning April 22nd with the record setting Silent 2 sailplane.
Silent 2 kit-builder Steve Arndt was present with his beautifully
crafted home-built Magic Dragon sailplane. As always, Malcolm Jones
and his crew were wonderful hosts. Information about Wallaby Ranch can be found at www.wallaby.com. Thank you to all who stopped by for a visit. See you next April! |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
January/April 2007 - Jet Silent on the Cover of AirShows Magazine |
||
| Bob Carlton's jet-powered Silent made the cover of the first quarter 2007 printing of AirShows magazine. The edition also includes an excellent article written by Mr. Carlton about the potentially dangerous effects of high density-altitude on aerobatic performance. |
 |
|
February 2007 - SSA Convention, Memphis, Tennessee, USA |
||
| Alisport attended the 2007 SSA Annual Convention with the new self-launch Silent 2 TARGA. This year's event was held at the Cook Convention Center in centrally-located Memphis, Tennessee from February 8th through February 10th, 2007. Attendees were very impressed with the Targa's variable incidence stabilizer, retractable landing gear, and new winglets. Next year's convention will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. See the SSA website for additional information. |  |
|
 |
 |
|
Octobre 2006 - Expo Journées Vol à Voile, Noisy Le Grand, France |
||
Alisport partecipera à la convention annuelle de la Fédération Français de Vol à Voile "Journées de Vol à Voile", le 21 et le 22 octobre 2006, en présentant aux vélivoles français sont nouveau Silent 2 TARGA. Fédération Français de Vol à Voile: www.ffvv.org |
 |
|
October
2006 - Fifth National Congress of Soaring Flight, Eurocongressi Center, Verona, Italy |
||
| Alisport attended and displayed
the new Silent 2 TARGA during the National Congress
held by the Italian Soaring Federation at Affi, Verona, from Saturday
the 14th through Sunday the 15th of October 2006. Italian Soaring Federation web site: www.fivv.it |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
September
2006 - Aeronautic Convention at Milan Polytechnic University,
Italy |
||
| Alisport attended the Aeronautic Convention at the Milan Polytechnic University with the lithium electric Silent Club AE from September 18th through September 22nd. | ||
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
| The convention provided
an excellent opportunity for students, interested in studying and
working in the aeronautical field, to become familiar with the design
and development of new aircraft. http://www.aero.polimi.it/include/convegno_aeronautica_Poli.pdf |
||
| For
Sale: 2003 Silent 2 USA factory demonstrator |
||
| 2003 self-launch Silent
2 factory demonstrator with clam-shell trailer and rigging gear.
Loaded instrument panel with Colibri GPS and logger, LX7000 GPS
with moving map and logger, LX electric vario with climb/cruise
switch, Filser ATR radio, push-to-talk, Peltor headset. Hinged tip-up
canopy, canopy cover, second battery, and steerable tailwheel. Sailplane
has US registration N3926 and certificate of airworthiness issued
in 2004. Save registration/inspection expenses and time. Serious inquiries send e-mail to info5@alisport.com if interested. |
||
 |
 |
|
May
2006 - Avioexpo 2006 Rivanazzano - Voghera Airport (Pavia), Italy |
||
| Alisport was present at the Avioexpo 2006 international airshow from 19th to the 21st of May 2006. The vent was held at the Rivanazzano Voghera Airport near Pavia, Italy. |  |
|
 |
 |
|
May
2006 - ESA Eastern Workshop Chilhowee Gliderport, Benton, Tennessee
|
||
| Alisport attended the ESA's Eastern Workshop from Friday May 5 to Sunday May 7. The event was held at a new location this year, Chilhowee Gliderport, located in southeastern Tennessee, adjacent to the Cherokee National Forest and close to Chattanooga. The weekend gathering was very well attended and bridged the gap between Chilhowee Gliderport's Region 5 World Class Contest (May 1-5) and the annual Women Soaring Pilot’s Association (WSPA) seminar (May 8-12). The 2007 event is also planned for Chilhowee Gliderport. | ||
 |
 |
|
April
2006 - Maiden Night Flight of Jet Silent, New Mexico, USA |
||
| Bob Carlton of SilentWingsAirshows
informs us that the first night flights with the jet powered Silent
have been successful. He reports that visibility is excellent and
the instrument lighting provides plenty of illumination to see not
only the instruments, but also checklists, acrobatic sequence cards,
and anything else in the cockpit. The next phase will be to perform
the night flights with acrobatics and pyrotechnics.
New wingtip mounts, allowing for a choice of smoke canisters, pyrotechnics, or strobe lighting, have already been installed. Pyrotechnic sequencing computers developed by Kyle McDowell have also been installed and are expected to reduce the cockpit workload during performances. The wingtip-mounted pyrotechnics and cherry-red glow of the jet engine exhausts promise a spectacular night show. Visit the SilentWingsAirshows website for schedule updates. |
||
March
2006 - Radio Controlled Silent Club with Retractable Propeller,
Italy |
||
| Tiziano Baldelli of Italy recently completed this 1/3rd scale Silent Club. He began the project using a fuselage developed by Elio Fornaciari. Tiziano added a unique self-launch system which includes a single-blade carbon-fiber propeller. The propeller self centers and retracts with the pylon into the fuselage. See the LVL System website for more information. | ||
February 2006 - Protective Covers for the Silent 2 and Silent 2 Targa |
||
| Wing and fuselage protective covers are now available as an accessory for the Silent 2 and Silent 2 Targa. The multi-piece covers protect all exposed surfaces from inclement weather, UV radiation, moisture, dust, and bird droppings. All pieces join together with Velcro, and are held in place with elastic cords. When not in use, the covers store conveniently in two fabric bags. |  |
|
 |
 |
|
February 2006 - Preview images of the first production Silent 2 with retractable landing gear |
||
 |
 |
|
February
2006 - SSA Convention, Arlington, Texas, USA |
||
| Alisport attended
the 2006 SSA Annual Convention with both a reciprocating-engine
self-launch Silent 2 and the wild twin-jet powered Silent Club.
This year's event, held in Arlington, Texas from February 2 through
February 4 was well attended with very high interest in all versions
of the Silent, especially the new Silent 2 Targa and the new lithium electric self-launcher. An excellent technical presentation about jet sailplanes was given by airshow performer Robert Carlton on Thursday, an update on the latest developments at Alisport was given by Leo Benetti-Longhini at the ASA breakfast on Saturday, and plane-side demonstrations were given each afternoon during the three-day event. The next convention will be held at the Cook Convention Center in centrally-located Memphis, Tennessee from February 8th through February 10th, 2007. Memphis is well served domestically by Northwest Airlines and internationally by KLM. Make plans to attend the SSA's 75th Anniversary Convention. |
 |
|
 |
||
Jenuary
2005 - Images of the new Silent 2 Targa Winglets |
||
 |
 |
|
The new Silent
2 TARGA winglet design results in an increased wingspan of 13.3
meters. |
||
Juillet 2005 - Championnat
de France et Prémondial Classe Club à VINON pour SILENT 2 |
||
Un SILENT 2 participe
au Championnat de France Classe Club à
VINON du 20 au 29 juillet piloté
par Philippe CONIL. |
 |
|
25 Juin au 1 Juillet 2005 - Concours Régional PACA à SISTERON pour SILENT 2 |
||
| Un SILENT 2 piloté
par Philippe CONIL termine 3ème au Concours
Régional PACA à Sisteron. |
 |
|
July 2005 - ESA Eastern
Workshop, Ridgely, Maryland, USA |
||
|
Once again, AliSport attended the Eastern Workshop of the Experimental Soaring Association (ESA), held at Ridgely Airfield in Ridgely, Maryland on July 8th-10th, with a Silent 2 self-launcher. Participation was excellent and the weather was good throughout the workshop allowing for good local soaring. Numerous interesting presentations
were delivered in the evening and morning hours. On Friday:
Mark Maughmer (Penn State University Professor) – a very
interesting and entertaining presentation on the history of
gliding with all sorts of unusual facts; Next year’s Eastern workshop is being scheduled for Chilhowee Gliderport in Tennessee in early May – make plans to attend and also experience some ridge flying! Visit the Experimental Soaring Association (ESA) website for official dates and more information about the annual Eastern and Western workshops. |
 |
|
 |
||
May 2005 - Motorized Silent 2 certified in France and Belgium |
||
| FRANCE Please contact our French representatives for additional information regarding registration and license requirements to fly the Silent 2: YUREK RACHANSKI |
BELGIUM Arca nr. 2005/112 Issue 1/09.05.2005 |
|
 |
||
Please contact our Belgian representative for additional information regarding registration and license requirements to fly the Silent 2: DANIEL VANDEWALLE |
||
May 2005 - Motorized
Silent Club certified in Germany |
||
GERMANY For additional information regarding registration
and license requirements to fly the STEFAN GEHRMANN |
||
April 2005 - AERO 2005,
Friedrichshafen, Germany |
||
| Alisport
attended the April 21st through 24th AERO International Trade Exhibition
for Aviation held at Friedrichschafen, the lakeside city in southern
Germany where Zeppelin dirigibles were once manufactured. The exhibition
is considered by most to be Europe’s number one aviation show.
While the event was in progress we received pleasant news of Mr.
Stevenson’s RECORD
flight in the southeastern United States of over 900km in a Silent
2 pure sailplane. The newest version of the Silent 2 electric self-launcher was unveiled at the event. The new electrics, developed in collaboration with AirEnergy of Aachen Germany, use Lithium batteries and advanced electronic controls that also monitor battery condition. The powered climb endurance Silent 2 with the new batteries significantly exceeds that of the original NiCd battery powered Silent Club (the world’s first series production electric-powered aircraft) and allows multiple launches on a single charge. In addition to the new Lithium electric self-launch system, Alisport also presented the latest version of the 28hp fuel-injected Silent 2 self-launch sailplane with the following enhancements: - new engine-bay-door automatic latching system - repositioned cabin control for the “blade stop” - in-flight adjustable rudder pedals - new fuel filtration system and decompression valve - new cockpit ventilation and canopy de-fog The high attendance at the Alisport display confirms the ever increasing interest in the “Silent formula” of light, reliable, cost-effective, performance sailplanes. From all of us at Alisport, thank you for visiting and we hope to see you again at AERO2007. |
||
 |
 |
|
April 2005 - ESA SkyOut,
Wallaby Ranch, Florida, USA |
||
| Alisport
was present at the April 15 - 17 Experimental Soaring Association
(formerly Sailplane Homebuilders Association) Skyout held at Wallaby
Ranch in central Florida. The informal gathering overlaped with
Sun n' Fun and the USHGA nationals at Quest. We displayed and flew
the world record setting Silent 2 pure sailplane. The sailplane
tows well behind a 65hp Dragonfly. It also aerotows just as well
behind a 250hp Piper Pawnee! As always, Malcolm Jones and his crew
were wonderful hosts. Information about Wallaby Ranch can be found
at www.wallaby.com.
See you next April! |
||
 |
 |
|
February 2005 - SSA
Convention and Air Sports Expo, Ontario, California, USA |
||
| Alisport attended the 2005 SSA Convention with both the 13-meter Silent 2 reciprocating-engine self-launcher and the wild 12-meter twin-jet powered Silent Club on display. Technical presentations about both gliders and latest developments were given on Thursday by factory lead engineer Paolo Ballocchi and by airshow performer Robert Carlton. Attendance was high at both presentations and at each of the static displays. The plane-side presentations were very successful and we plan to do them again next year. Alisport was featured by Inland California Television Network (ICTN) during its evening coverage of the convention. The next SSA Convention will be held at the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, Texas February 2nd through February 6th, 2006. | ||
 |
 |
|
| DECEMBER 2004 - TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE SILENT'S 1st FLIGHT |
||
| On the 8th of December 1994 the definitive prototype of Silent light sailplane made its maiden flight from the small grass strip of Galliano in the northeastern Italian province of Friuli. | ||
 |
 |
 |
| The glider, flown by test pilot Walter Mauri and towed by a 50hp trike, was airborne in 200m and, after climbing to 600m, successfully flew for 16 minutes. The photos above capture the historical event, while the photos below show predecessors. | ||
 |
 |
|
| 1993
The Dream, second-generation version with identifiable 12m wing planform, redesigned fuselage, and still with cruciform tail. |
1991-the
Dream, first-generation version of the light glider with rectangular wing planform, tubular metal tailboom. |
|
October, 2004 - French
Soaring Convention, Noisy le Grand, France |
||
| Alisport
displayed the Silent 2 at the annual French Soaring Convention
held on the 23rd and 24th of October in Noisy le Grand on the
outskirts of Paris. Numerous gliders and light sailplanes (European
ULM) were on static display along with avionics and flight accessory
vendors, flight simulators, and sessions with technical and flight
achievement presentations. The event was well attended by both
soaring enthusiasts and the general public. |
 |
|
 |
||
Silent 2 Sets Distance
Records - July 2004, Zapata, Texas, USA |
||
A Silent 2 sailplane flown by Leo Benetti-Longhini landed at Sweetwater, Texas, on Friday evening (9th July 2004) after a distance record flight of 8.5 hours. The sailplane, registered N-210DU (for Silent 2 series production No. 10), flew in the FAI Class DU glider category and, until approved by the FAI and NAA, has unofficially set two world and three US distance records. Leo informs us that, after some pre-launch excitement from a local rattlesnake under the glider, he departed Zapata at approximately 11:00 a.m. with a declared goal task of 559 km (347 miles) to Winters, Texas. After reaching Winters in 7 hours and 20 minutes, weather conditions permitted proceeding beyond goal to the town of Sweetwater for a free-distance record of approximately 620 km (386 miles). |
||
| A review of the GPS log shows the first half of the flight was flown mostly between 600 m and 1100 m (2000 and 3500 feet) AGL. Conditions improved over the higher terrain past Uvalde, but the whole flight still averaged only 1 m/s (2 kts) of lift. Weak conditions for Texas and a tough day of flying – but just good enough! In addition to the efforts of many during preparations prior to Zapata, Leo also tells us that this particular flight would have never happened had it not been for the help and support of several friends at the encampment: specifically, Gary Osoba for being the creative and driving force behind the WRE, his mentorship, and encouragement to all attendees; David Glover for organizing & directing the event, for volunteering as ground crew, and for his professional support throughout the distance flight; Russ Brown of Quest for all his help on the ground and for the perfect aero-tows; Pete Lehmann, Andrew Holupka, and Davis Straub for their advice, suggestions, and assistance with equipment and weather; and Charlie, Manny, and Rick at Zapata County Airport for their friendliness, generosity, and help (these pilots define airport hospitality!). |  |
|
 |
||
(Photos
by David Glover) |
||
| As
weather conditions are expected to improve over the next few weeks,
Gary Osoba will be back in the Silent 2, attempting to set additional
speed and distance records from both Zapata and Big Spring, Texas.
From all of us at Alisport, we wish you the best of success. |
||
| July 2004, Zapata,
Texas, USA - Silent 2 at WRE |
||
| The
first series production Silent 2 pure sailplane is flying at the
2004 World Record Encampment held in
Zapata, Texas (south of Laredo on the Mexican border). The annual
event, organized by Gary Osoba (WRE founder and holder of multiple
world records) and David Glover (WRE manager and respected national
contest director), draws pilots from around the world due to the
unique desert conditions. The mostly stock non-motorized Silent
2 sailplane flown by Gary has an empty weight under 128 kg (282
lbs) and, for a wide range of pilot weights, meets the FAI Class
DU requirement of 220 kg (485 lbs) maximum take-off weight. As of
July 4th, several familiarization flights have been made and Gary
reports very favorably on the S2's performance, handling, and fabrication. See the Oz Report for additional reporting by Davis Straub (himself an active participant in the WRE since its initiation). So far the Texas weather has been unusually wet preventing optimum soaring conditions and the typically arid mesquite and cactus terrain is lush green. The weather is expected to improve over the next few weeks and should allow for serious record attempts. Check back for updates. |
 |
|
June
2004–First Ever! Jet Silent Airshow Performances, Missouri, USA |
||
| Bob Carlton of SilentWingsAirshows absolutely stunned crowds at Whiteman Air Force Base (home of the B2 bomber) and at Joplin Regional Airport during two back-to-back weekend airshows! The Missouri shows, which took place on the weekends of the 19th and 26th of June respectively, both included Bob’s pure glider routines from an altitude of 5000 feet (1500 meters) and, for Joplin only, his unique “not-so-silent” low-altitude twin-jet glider performance. All routines included his trademark wing-tip pyrotechnic smoke trails. The displays were a mega-hit with spectators, fellow airshow performers, and the news media! From all the folks at AliSport: “Congratulations Bob!! For your foresight, creativity, talent, perseverance, and hard-earned success. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with you on this special project.” | ||
| The
modified 12m-wingspan Silent Club sailplane uses two 45 pound
thrust AMT-USA turbine engines mounted on
a retractable pylon. For the pure glider routines, the engines
are used both to self-launch & for climb to altitude and,
for the jet shows, remain deployed & running throughout the
low-level routines, which include sustained inverted flight. The
second-generation engine installation is vastly improved over
the previous proof-of-concept installation (see November’s Latest
News announcement for the earlier version). This latest version,
which has significantly better climb rate and top speed, includes
numerous refinements such as a low-profile engine pylon for reduced
drag, engine-bay doors fully closed during flight, increased Jet-A
fuel capacity, inverted fuel system, on-board compressed-air and
propane engine-start bottles, and improved electronic control
units. |
 |
|
| Although
the exciting aircraft has met all design objectives and is performing
exceptionally well, it should still be viewed as a one-off concept
aircraft that is best technically matured gradually and flown
by an experienced airshow performer. In light of this, we ask
that enthusiasts please continue to understand that we are currently
not accepting inquiries about the present or future availability
of production versions of this unique aircraft. Additionally,
we must remind readers that this is a modified aircraft and that
our series production gliders are not rated for aerobatics. As
before, any new developments will be posted on these pages. Thank
you for your understanding. |
 |
|
June
2004 - SHA Eastern Workshop, Ridgely, Maryland, USA |
||
| AliSport attended the Sailplane Homebuilders Association (SHA) Eastern Workshop, held at Ridgely Airfield in Ridgely, Maryland on June 25th-27th, with the Silent 2 self-launch demonstrator. The attendance was excellent and the weather began to cooperate about halfway through the workshop allowing for good local soaring too. Judah Milgram, translator of Fred Thomas' book on sailplane aerodynamics, brought his HP-11 for static display. Numerous interesting presentations were delivered. Specifically: Steve Arndt (Eastern SHA VP) - discussion on the Magic Dragon and a quick-build rib demonstration; Leo Benetti-Longhini - an update on the twin-jet Silent project and a presentation on the latest trends in wind-tunnel technology; Tom Blevins (Composites Expert and Custom Yacht Builder) - composites demonstrations including vacuum bagging, resin transfer, and infusion methods; Russ Lee (Curator of Aeronautics at the National Air & Space Museum) - update and discussion on near-term museum plans with an emphasis on homebuilt aircraft and sailplanes; Oleg Golovidov (R/C Sailplane Champion) - flight demonstrations with his discus-launch model sailplane and a presentation on his powered Carbon Dragon project; Jerry Gross (nominated for SHA Eastern VP) - a presentation on his 13m Woodstock project; Dave Hudnut - a presentation on the history of structures in airplanes; and Gary Osoba (SHA President) - a teleconference update on the latest developments with the new "EHX" project. Make plans to attend next year! Visit the SHA website for more information about the annual Eastern and Western workshops. |  |
|
 |
||
SILENT 2 ATTAINS DISTANCE RECORD FOR SAILPLANES |
||
| Italian pilot, Luigi Bertoncini, set a Club Class distance record on the 22nd of April 2004 with a Silent 2 self-launch sailplane. |  |
|
| The out-and-return
Alpine task was planned from the Alzate Brianza gliderport near
Lake Como to the town of Brunico in the Pusteria Valley. Total straight line distance was 482 km (290 miles) and allowed the pilot to claim a distance record in the Italian "Club Class". The flight confirms the excellent performance qualities of the Silent 2. |
 |
|
April 2004 - SHA Skyout, Wallaby Ranch, Florida, USA |
||
| Once again Alisport attended the Sailplane Homebuilder's Association (SHA) Skyout at Wallaby Ranch near Orlando, Florida - this time with the new Silent 2 self-launch sailplane. The Skyout took place from April 14th through 18th (conveniently overlapping with the middle of Sun n' Fun) and, after some initially rather windy weather, conditions became exceptional permitting numerous cross-country flights. Steve Arndt, SHA Eastern VP, had his beautifully crafted Magic Dragon at the ranch and we were able to fly together several times. We were also very pleased to meet the numerous people who visited specifically to see the newest version of the Silent. Malcolm Jones and his crew were wonderful hosts. Information about Wallaby Ranch can be found at www.wallaby.com. |  |
|
 |
||
 |
||
AVRIL 2004
15/20 - TOURNEE DE PRESENTATION DU SILENT 2 DANS LE NORD DE LA FRANCE |
||
| La deuxième
tournée de présentation du Silent 2 s'est déroulée du 15 au 20
avril dans le Nord de la France (la première a eu lieu dans le
Sud du 5 au 11 mars). |
 |
|
 |
||
 |
||
 |
||
SSA
Convention and AirSports Expo 2004 February 5-7, Atlanta, Georgia,
USA |
||
| Alisport displayed the fuel-injected
self-launch Silent 2 production demonstrator at a very successful 2004 SSA Convention. The event took place at the prestigious Cobb Galleria Convention Centre in Northwest Atlanta located at the intersection of interstate highways I-75 and I-285. For additional information about this event and next year's Ontario, California event visit: www.airsportsexpo.com or www.ssa.org. |
 |
|
 |
 | |
Luigi Bertoncini
- Leo Benetti Longhini - Bob Carlton |
||
January
2003 - Alisport Launches New Website |
||
| Alisport's website
now has a new look! Information on aviation products from the
company's three operating divisions (Silent sailplanes, Yuma STOL
aircraft, and Avtek propellers/accessories) is now available from
one convenient web location, reflecting the business synergy of
the three divisions. |
||
 |
||
| November
2003 - JET SILENT Flies! JET GLIDER
VIDEO (1.197 KB) |
||
| On November 22, 2003 the first test flights of a jet-powered Silent Club sailplane were conducted. The test flights were performed by an independent group working closely with Alisport to analyze the potential for future development of turbine-powered sailplanes. Powered by twin AMT USA engines, the 12m Silent easily self-launched with acceptable take-off distance and good climb rate. Several successful flights were conducted to analyze performance, handling, temperature issues, and engine systems. |  |
|
| Though there is no direct connection between the two, it is quite easy for this "not-so-silent" Silent to remind us of another Italian jet-powered sailplane, the two-seat Caproni A-21SJ which weighed almost three times as much and produced slightly over twice the thrust. While the preliminary results are very encouraging, and more flight tests are planned, we are currently not accepting inquiries as to the current or future availability of jet engines on Alisport aircraft. More information will be posted here as it is available |  |
|
| September
2003, Massachusetts - Second Kit-Built Silent Club in the USA
Takes Flight! |
||
| On September 1st, USAF Captain Brock
Vaughn flew his kit-built self-launch Silent Club sailplane for
the first time. The glider is owned in a very practical partnership arrangement (see the builder's website via our Links page). Captain Vaughn sent us a detailed and well written letter describing his experiences. |
 |
|
20th and 21st
September 2003 - Airport of "Calcinate del Pesce", Varese, Italy |
||
| In commemoration of the first 100 years of powered flight, the province of Varese www.varesenews.it/pubblicita/100annidivolo in northern Italy has promoted several aviation events, the most recent being an aviation gathering and aerobatic contest at the "Adele Orsi" gliderport in Calcinate del Pesce www.acao.it | ||
 |
 |
|
| This airport is well known as an ideal launching point for Alpine soaring flights. Two industry-leading self-launch sailplanes, an Italian Silent 2 with a 13 meter wingspan and a German ETA with a 31 meter wingspan, were displayed together for the first time ever. The two gliders represent opposite ends of the spectrum in the world of modern self-launchers. Both the general spectators and the host airport sailplane pilots were impressed with the unique display. | ||
August 2003 - Alisport presents the Silent
2 in France |
||
| The Silent
2 was displayed
for the first time in France on the 30th and 31st of August. Both of our French representatives were in attendance: YUREK RACHANSKI (for northern France) and OLIVIER DANCER (for southern France). The Blois aviation event is one of the most important light aircraft gatherings in France. www.ulmblois.com |  |
|
 |
||
| 26th
- 27th July 2003 - Silent Sailplanes on Display in Lugano, Switzerland |
||
| Two Silent sailplanes were recently
on display at the aviation exhibit known as the "Airshow on the
Lake" held on the lakefront of the city of Lugano in Switzerland.
The two gems from the same "scuderia", the electric-powered self-launch
version of the Silent, with its advanced battery system,
and the newest addition to the family, the fuel-injected two-stroke
self-launch Silent 2, showcased the latest technology in light sailplanes. |
 |
|
| The event is of great significance; the electric powered Silent was adopted as a model that exemplifies the Swiss philosophy of their newly created category known as "Ecolight" aircraft. These aircraft will be permitted to fly in Switzerland beginning in 2004. | ||
Silent Contract
Kit Builder - F.I.A. Ltda., Sumare, Brasil |
||
| Flyer Indústria Aeronáutica Ltda. Rodovia Virgínia Viel Campo Dall'Orto, Km 1- 13172-220 Sumaré - SP-Brasil. Brasilian glider pilots can now reduce their exorbitant import tariffs by having their Silents completed via contract kit builder |
 |
|
June 2003 - SHA Eastern Workshop, Ridgely,
Maryland, USA |
||
| Alisport attended
the Sailplane Homebuilder's Association (SHA) Eastern Workshop held
at the Ridgely Airfield in Ridgely, Maryland on June 21st-22nd.
The soaring weather was not perfect this year, but nevertheless
some good local soaring flights were possible with the self-launch
Silent Club. The hospitality, food, and technical presentations
were excellent. Please see the SHA website www.sailplanehomebuilders.com
for more information about next year's Eastern workshop and make
plans to attend. The first kit-built Silent 2 self-launcher should
be in attendance. Photo courtesy Al McCarty of the SHA |
 |
|
 |
||
April 2003
- Silent 2 Initial Flight Tests Successful! |
||
| The initial flight tests of the Silent 2 with the 13m carbon-fiber performance wings have been peations are that the wrformed. All indicings are exceeding our conservative expectations in both quantitative values and handling qualities. The minimum sink and glide ratio are better than expected. | ||
 | 
| |
| The take off distance
is reduced, the powered climb rate is higher, the stall speed meets
design requirements, final approaches are rock steady with the 10
degree landing flaps, and landing distance is shorter. Overall, the Silent 2 appears to be a home run for the Alisport engineers and technicians and will likely set the standard in light self-launch sailplanes. |  |
|
April 2003, California - First Kit-Built
Silent Club in the USA Takes Flight! |
||
| On April 5th, Silent Club kit-builder, Mr. David Bezinque of Red Bluff, California flew his self-lauch kit-built sailplane for the first time. He sent us the following e-mail: "I am having a wonderful time flying my Silent. I think the 12 meter wings are great! It rolls into thermals instantly, yet doesn't seem at all twitchy. It is really fun being able to motor over to where the lift is and launch when ever I feel like it. Sometimes I come back to the airport for lunch and a break because it costs almost nothing for a relight. Landings are easy, with and without the engine extended. I can't wait for warm summer weather. | ||
| "Mr. Bezinque sent us a previous e-mail in late March after starting his engine for the first time and successfully completing taxi tests: "The engine ran great. I have a whopping 22 minutes on the engine after taxi testing. I got it up on the main wheel and maybe even bounced a little, very controllable in both pitch and roll and the stick is more or less in the center. Taxiing up wind and down wind was no problem. We had 10-15 MPH winds". |  |
|
| Mr. Bezinque, who has many years of
two-stroke engine experience, went on to say: "This is by far the
smoothest 2 stroke engine/propeller that I have ever seen. I am
really impressed. It idles about 1100-1150 RPM. EGT was 1000F at
full power and about 1100 at 80%. CHT hit just a little over 400F
on the ground. Ambient was about 68F. CHT at 80% was about 325F.
Max RPM was 6340 with the glider headed into a 10-15 MPH wind. Super
happy with the way it runs and handles so far. Can't wait to fly it!" |
 |
|
| Mr. Bezinque is the first builder to complete a Silent using the English construction manual. He took approximately 400 hours to build his kit and graciously provided many builder suggestions that have since been included in the manual. |  |
|
April 2003 - SHA Skyout, Wallaby Ranch, Florida,
USA |
||
| Once again Alisport was present
with the self-launch Silent Club demonstrator at the Sailplane Homebuilder's
Association (SHA) Skyout at Wallaby Ranch near Orlando, Florida.
The Skyout took place from Saturday April 5th through Monday April
7th (this overlapped with the middle of Sun n' Fun). The weather was excellent allowing for numerous cross-country flights. As always, Malcolm Jones and his crew were excellent hosts. Information about Wallaby Ranch can be found at www.wallaby.com. Silent Club over Wallaby Ranch on April 7th,
2003 |
 |
|
| January 23-25 - 2003 SSA Convention and Air
Sports Expo - Dayton, Ohio, USA |
||
| Global
Debut of 13m Performance Wings! The "birthplace of aviation" fittingly hosted the 2003 SSA Convention. We unveiled our new 13m wings at the show and by all accounts this was a huge success. The 13m performance wings are predominantly carbon fiber and have pultruded spar caps. We anticipate a realistic 6-7 point gain in L/D with respect to the 12m wings (aerodynamic analyses predict an increase as high as 8-9 points). Powered climb performance is expected to be as good as or better than the 12m wings. The 12m wings will remain in production. These fiberglass wings have delightful handling, excellent climb performance, very acceptable glide performance, docile stall, and are cost effective due to the materials used and relatively simple planform shape. Series production of the "Silent 2" with the 13m wings will begin in the second half of 2003 and we are accepting initial deposits on a first come, first serve basis. Receipt of deposit reserves a serial number and will guarantee the price. A kit version will be developed once the factory built model is in full production. Progress information about the new wings will be posted as it becomes available. |
 |
|
 |
||
May 2003
- Soaring Magazine Article on Silent Club |
||
| The SSA publication, Soaring, has printed
a flight report on the self-launch Silent Club by Mr. Dean Carswell, retired president of the Auxiliary-Powered Sailplane Association (ASA) and self-launch expert. His words after the first flight? "Delightful aeroplane!" Mr. Carswell currently flies a Stemme in Texas and at one time flew for the RAF. Check the Articles page of the website for a PDF version of the article as printed in Soaring magazine. |
 |
|
October 2002
- Kitplanes Cover Article on the Silent |
||
| Dave Martin, editor of Kitplanes
Magazine, writes about his first flight in the self-launch Silent
Club. The 6-page article also provides feedback from a kit builder
in California. Mr. Martin test flew the Silent-IN at South Lakeland
Airport on the day prior to Sun n' Fun. He self-launched and, after informing us that his schedule really only allowed a half hour, went soaring for over an hour (not the first time a pilot trying the Silent didn't want to come down!). Due to substantial aircraft activity he prudently elected to enter the landing pattern with the engine idling in case a go-around was needed. This demonstrated both the ease of in-flight engine restart and ability to land with the engine deployed. Mr. Martin had the usual grin of pilots who fly the Silent for the first time and gave us a definitive thumbs-up!" |
 |
|
April 7th
- 13th 2002, Sailplane Homebuilder's Association Skyout, Wallaby Ranch, Florida, USA |
||
| Alisport attended the Sailplane
Homebuilder's Association (SHA) Skyout on Sunday April 7th and Monday
April 8th at Wallaby Ranch near Orlando, Florida. The self-launch
Silent Club demonstrator also flew both at the Ranch and at Winter
Haven Airport from April 9th to April 13th for interested persons
visiting Sun n' Fun (Wallaby is a mere 30 mile drive from Lakeland). We'll probably do this again next year since it allows soaring enthusiasts to readily see the Silent flying up-close without the hassles of a large air-show (check this page prior to planning your next trip to Sun n' Fun). For information about future SHA events visit: www.sailplanehomebuilders.com. |
 |
|
| Silent Club at Wallaby Ranch on March 9th, 2002 (photo courtesy of Davis Straub of the OZ Report) |
||
January 2002
- Wave flights with the Silent |
||
| Monsieur Eric Lecorche,
sent us some photos of a recent flight with his Silent. It was a
wave flight (-4°C at 4,200m MSL) during the French winter. Flight
log: Date: 27th January 2002 Duration: 3 hours Distance: 150 km (93 miles) Altitude: 4,200m (13,800 ft) MSL Min Temperature: -4°C (25°F) Type: Wave flight Location: France Pilot: Eric Lecorche Glider: Silent-IN Thank you, Monsieur
Lecorche for your beautiful photos. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
August 2001
- Alisport’s Silent Launches from Hillside |
||
| On August 4th and 5th three slope launches
of a Silent Club sailplane were performed from Mount Cucco, in the
vicinity of Sigillo, Perugia, Italy. The only external assistance
came from a single crew member who provided an initial push to get
the sailplane rolling. The launches occurred effortlessly, much
to the amazement of the numerous hang-glider and sailplane pilots
who were present for the event. None had ever witnessed slope launches
of a modern sailplane. The Silent can also be aero-towed or ground launched by traditional means. Self-launch versions, with either fuel-injected or electric powerplants, are available. The non-powered sailplane meets the FAI Class DU for gliders having a maximum take-off weight of 220 kilograms (485 pounds) or less. |
 |
|
 |
||
April 2002
- New Tip-Up Canopy |
||
| A new tip-up canopy is now available
as an option. The hinged canopy facilitates single-person operation
and minimizes the risk of canopy damage. Especially recommended
if your airport has gusty wind conditions. The hinge has an emergency jettison mechanism and a gas-strut to reduce opening force. The sailplane in the photo has been painted with high visibility colors for flying over snow-covered terrain (recommended for mountain flying). |
 |
|
2002 SSA Convention
and Air Expo, Ontario, California, USA |
||
| Alisport displayed the Silent-IN factory
demonstrator at a very successful 2002 SSA Convention. The event
took place near Los Angeles at the Ontario Convention Center from
Thursday February 7th through Saturday February 9th. Over 60 soaring
and aviation exhibitors had their products on display. Our ground
crew travelled over 5000 miles (8000 km) transporting the demonstrator
from Tennessee to California and back. For additional information about this event and next year's Dayton, Ohio event visit: www.airsportsexpo.com. |
||
 |
 |
|
Click to view
other photos Courtesy Paul Naton - www.radiocarbonart.com |
||
January 2002
- SSA Business Membership |
||
| Alisport obtains Business Membership with the Soaring Society of America (www.ssa.org) |  |
|
July 2001
- Alisport at Air Venture 2001 - Oshkosh |
||
| Alisport participated in Air Venture 2001, the United States' premier aviation event. For more information, please visit the Air Venture Website. |  |
|
 |
||
April 2001
- the Silent in the "Very Best" of Sun 'n Fun 2001 |
||
| The well-known on-line magazine "Aero-News.net" put the Silent in it's "Very Best" list of Sun' n Fun 2001. We met the chief Director Jim Campbell on our way to Florida at Winter Haven Airport: "beautiful workmanship and gorgeous detail. I want one of these, too!". Thank you Jim, for your words and for the "Best Construction" award. |  |
|
The
Silent-IN on the way to Sun 'n Fun 2001 |
||
March-April
2001 - The Silent diplayed at the Museum of Industrial Design of Milan - Italy "Triennale di Milano" |
||
| The Silent is on display at the well-known "Triennale di Milano" in the Design Expo of March-April 2001. We are very proud to have the Silent displayed as a masterpiece of Italian Industrial Design, together with other famous brands as Cassina, Kartell, Guzzi and Alfa-Romeo. | ||
 |
||
 |
||
March 2001 |
||
| The cold weather of the first days of March has not hampered the demonstration flights at the Atlantic Soaring Club, Harford County Airport, (MD). In the photos below, both the easy assembly of the Silent-IN - which requires a few minutes - and the take-off are visible. Notice the unique monoblade propeller, which distinguishes the Silent-IN from all other gliders. | ||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| September
2000 - Alisport in 21th Annual of "Valbrembo Soaring Expo"
- Italy |
||
| The Silent-IN aroused
a lot of interest at the recent Valbrembo Soaring Expo. The numerous
visitors at the show (mostly soaring enthusiasts) observed and appreciated
the Silent-IN both on the ground and in flight. A lot of
attention was created by our monoblade propeller which, thanks to
its unique balancing system, combines the advantages of great efficiency
with a significant reduction in vibration. The visitors displayed a lot of interest in the new (for Italy) concept of a "Construction Kit" within the simple and economic regulation of Experimental Aircraft and the elimination of the constraints of certified aircraft maintenance. |
 |
|
 |
||
August 3th
2000- Alisport in Oshkosh |
||
| Silent Alisport LLC participates in
AirVenture 2000 at Oshkosh, WI. Many US citizens had the opportunity to see the Silent-IN. |
 |
|
June 28th
2000 - the 26th Silent delivered |
||
| The Silent n.26 has been delivered to ESPADA DISTRIBUCIONES AERONAUTICAS, S.L., our new distributor in Spain. In the photo our Spanish friends (first two from left) with their new Silent-IN in the trailer. |  |
|
15 June 15th
2000 - new accessories available |
||
After completing the quality tests, a new range of accessories are now available:
|
||
June 2000
- Italian exposition at Ozzano Emilia (BO) |
||
| Alisport takes part to the flying expo
"Cielo e volo" at Ozzano Emilia. Our test pilot during take-off with the Silent-IN |
 |
|
April 2000
- Alisport at Sun'n Fun - Florida |
||
| Alisport's Silent displayed for the first time in the US. The Silent was admired by the visitors of the Sun 'n Fun fly-in in Florida. |  |
|
| Alisport Srl - Tel. (+39) 039.9212128
Fax (+39) 039.9212130 Via Confalonieri, 22 - Cremella (Lecco), Italy |
||
