Arcus Air Logistic Arcus

Single Piston

The Arcus is a high-performance single-engine motorglider designed and manufactured by Arcus Air Logistic in Germany, representing the evolution of modern self-launching sailplane technology. Combining a retractable Rotax piston engine with a sleek 20-meter wingspan, the Arcus bridges the gap between pure gliders and light touring aircraft, offering pilots the ability to soar thermally for hours or cruise under power at over 100 knots. Its side-by-side seating configuration distinguishes it from most motorgliders, making it popular for training and cross-country touring where both occupants want equal visibility and control access. Certified under European CS-22 standards with an MTOW of 1,874 pounds, the Arcus achieves impressive glide ratios exceeding 30:1 with the engine retracted, while maintaining docile handling characteristics down to a 41-knot stall speed in landing configuration. The type appeals to soaring clubs, private owners seeking efficient cross-country machines, and flight schools teaching motorglider transition. Its relatively modest never-exceed speed of 135 knots and max structural cruise of 108 knots reflect its optimization for efficiency rather than raw speed, with flaps limiting operations to 70 knots when extended. The Arcus remains a niche type in North American and European general aviation, favored by pilots who value the unique combination of soaring performance and self-launch capability. SkyMeter has tracked 38 flights across 9 airframes and 5 operators, with GRIFFIN, David Eric the largest observed operator.