1Comet, a high-performance, laminar-flow ultralight sailplane, debuted at Electrifly-in 2025 in Bern, Switzerland. Though looking somewhat like the Ruppert Archeopteryz, there are significant differences. Both 1Comet and Archaeopteryx come in foot-launch and electric-powered versions. Both fall into the microlight category and are capable of flying in microlift conditions. 1Comet, though, has a broader weight range, from a foot-launched glider with fixed landing gear weighing a total of 165 kilograms (364 pounds) to an electric-powered, retractable gear machine toppin out at 350 kilograms (771 pounds). Archaeopteryx has a removable electric motor behind the pilot, cleverly strapped in with Velcro fasteners. 1Comet has a fixed-position Front Electric Sustainer motor in the nose. The 1Comet web site makes the following claims for the electric-powered version. “The low weight also makes it the ideal platform for electric flight. With only 30 kg of batteries, you can stay in the air for over 2 hours or climb more than 4000 meters. “The electric glider version …
