Antares 20e

Single Electric

The Lange Antares 20E holds the distinction of being the world's first production electric self-launching sailplane, combining the soaring performance of a pure glider with the independence of powered flight. Developed by Lange Aviation in Germany and first certified in 2003, the 20E uses a retractable electric motor and folding propeller to climb away from the airfield under battery power, then retracts everything for clean sailplane flight once altitude is reached. With a 20-meter wingspan and glide ratio exceeding 50:1, it delivers competition-level soaring performance while eliminating the noise, vibration, and fuel logistics of traditional self-launch systems. The electric propulsion system provides enough energy for multiple climbs to pattern altitude on a single charge, making it ideal for cross-country soaring where thermal conditions may require an out-landing retrieve or a quick boost to reach the next lift. Maximum takeoff weight is just 600 kilograms (1,323 pounds), and the aircraft cruises efficiently in the 60-80 knot range under power. The Antares pioneered practical electric aviation more than a decade before the current wave of eVTOL and electric trainer projects, proving that battery technology could support real-world flight operations in a niche where energy density and mission profile aligned perfectly. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, covering routes.