Flight Design CTSW

The Flight Design CTSW (Composite Twin‑Surface Wing) is a two‑seat, high‑performance motor glider introduced by the German company Flight Design in 2015. Built on the successful CT series platform, the CTSW combined the sleek, carbon‑reinforced airframe of the CT series with a larger, double‑surface wing that delivers an exceptional lift‑to‑drag ratio. Production began in early 2016 at the company’s facility in Eichstätt, Germany, and the aircraft quickly earned certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and later from the FAA under the light‑sport aircraft category.

Key features include a 13‑meter wingspan with interchangeable wing tips, a lightweight Rotax 912 iS engine delivering 100 hp, retractable landing gear, and a glass‑cockpit display that integrates flight data, navigation, and engine monitoring. The composite construction yields a maximum take‑off weight of 600 kg while maintaining a glide ratio of 30:1, allowing pilots to soar for long distances with minimal fuel consumption.

The CTSW’s significance lies in its blend of motor‑glider efficiency and modern sport‑aviation comforts, opening the market to pilots who desire both cross‑country cruising and soaring capability. Its innovative design has influenced subsequent light‑sport aircraft and reinforced Flight Design’s reputation for pioneering economical, high‑performance aviation solutions.