Aceair AERIKS 200

The Aceair AERIKS 200, produced by the Swiss‑based manufacturer Aceair, emerged in the early 2000s as a daring attempt to revive the spirit of the classic single‑seat sport aircraft while incorporating modern composite technology. Development began in 2002, driven by founder Daniel E. Glaub, who envisioned a lightweight, high‑performance machine that could bridge the gap between kit‑built enthusiasts and certified sport aircraft. The first prototype took to the skies in March 2004, and after a brief certification campaign, limited production ran from 2005 until Aceair’s insolvency in 2007, with only a handful of units completed.

Key features of the AERIKS 200 include an all‑carbon‑fiber airframe, a low‑drag, low‑wing configuration, and a powerful 180‑horsepower Rotax 914 turbocharged engine that delivers a cruising speed of 250 kt and a climb rate exceeding 2 500 ft/min. The aircraft’s side‑stick control, glass cockpit, and retractable landing gear set it apart from traditional ultralights, offering a cockpit environment akin to modern fighter trainers.

Although production was short‑lived, the AERIKS 200 remains significant for demonstrating how advanced composites and sophisticated avionics could be integrated into a lightweight sport platform, influencing later designs such as the Pipistrel Virus SW and inspiring a renewed interest in high‑performance home‑built aviation.