Alisport
Silent 2
The Silent 2, produced by the Italian company Alisport, is a high‑performance sailplane that entered the market in the early 2000s. Developed from the successful Silent 1 design, the Silent 2 was launched in 2003 as a two‑seat, side‑by‑side trainer that combined modern composite construction with advanced aerodynamics. Its airframe is built entirely of carbon‑fibres and glass‑fibres, giving a lightweight yet robust structure with an empty weight of only 260 kg. The wing, featuring a 15‑meter span and a sophisticated laminar‑flow airfoil, delivers an impressive glide ratio of 38:1 and low sink rates, making the aircraft suitable for both training and cross‑country soaring. Integrated digital flight instruments, optional electric self‑launch system, and a streamlined cockpit enhance pilot comfort and safety. The Silent 2 has been widely adopted by flight schools across Europe and has won several awards for innovation in sailplane design. Its significance lies in popularising low‑cost, high‑efficiency gliding, demonstrating that advanced composite technology can be made accessible to a broader aviation community while maintaining competitive performance on the soaring competition circuit. Its low operating cost and simple maintenance have led clubs to replace older wooden gliders with the Silent 2, modernising fleets worldwide.
