Team Schaerer Takes the World's Largest Model Sailplane Aerobatic Aircraft into the Air

The two aircraft are scale replicas of the Swift S1 glider. The scale of these replicas is extraordinary: the models are only 1.5 times smaller than the original, making them the largest model aerobatic gliders in the world. With an impressive wingspan of 8.5 meters and a takeoff weight of 55 kilograms, these models are truly impressive. The aircraft are constructed from fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) and carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and are equipped with state-of-the-art remote-control technology. Construction took over two years.

The Schaerer Team, along with the two glider pilots, performs a silent formation aerobatics routine that is clearly visible in the sky thanks to smoke cartridges attached to the wingtips. Formation flying with gliders is particularly challenging because the aircraft have no propulsion of their own and must conserve their potential energy. During the aerobatic routine, speeds of up to 200 km/h are reached. The two gliders are towed by motorized model airplanes to the required starting altitude of about 900 meters above ground level. Then the aerial ballet begins, accompanied by smoke and music. Finally, the two gliders land in perfect synchrony on the runway, right at the pilots’ feet.

Andreas and Tim are both highly successful model aircraft pilots. Together, they hold over ten Swiss championship titles and three European championship titles in the glider aerobatics class. Their formation flying has brought them worldwide recognition, and they are invited to air shows all over the world. The two are sponsored by Red Bull and other companies. Tim Schaerer comments: “Without the fantastic support of our partners, it wouldn’t be possible for us to pursue model aviation at this level. We’re very grateful for that.” The two can also be seen online with their extraordinary models on Facebook and Instagram.

Photos: Red Bull Content Pool, Romina Amato