1comet is a recent member of the ultralight sailplane community, and one with outstanding performance in the refined arena of microlift. Its makers proclaim its mission: “1comet AG was founded on the belief that pure flight is one of the most beautiful forms of freedom ever created.” Since microlift combines a craft’s ability to circle tightly in small thermals (columns of warm, rising air), 1comet is designed to exploit even such weak “updrafts” and return extended flights. Wikipedia informs us, “A microlift glider is a recreational glider that is able to exploit microlift, which is lift weaker than a conventional glider would require to stay airborne.” Wikipedia lists nine such craft: Advanced Aeromarine Sierra Aériane Swift Bailey-Moyes Tempest EEL ULF 1 Glidersport LightHawk Maupin Carbon Dragon Ruppert Archaeopteryx Neutrino 1comet All fall, nzturally, into the ultralight class, a great accomplishment for machines with greater wingspans than most in that class. An interview with Donat Bösch helps highlight the lightweight sailplane’s salient features. Initial design by Martin Hepperle …
