The AS 35 Mi flies!

From initial concept to maiden flight

Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau has thus taken another important step in its long company history.

The 20-meter single-seater in the open class took off at 9:20 a.m. from our factory airfield in Huhnrain – a special moment for our entire team.

The first ideas for the AS 35 Mi project emerged in the fall of 2020. After intensive development work, numerous tests, and countless hours of design and manufacturing, the aircraft was now ready for its big moment.

Vom Wetterfenster zur perfekten Startbedingung

We had already made preparations the day before, hoping for a suitable weather window. But the sky remained overcast until the evening, so the maiden flight had to be postponed.

This morning, Poppenhausen showed itself from its best side: blue skies, sunshine, and calm conditions.

At 8:00 a.m., the AS 35 Mi was cleared out and carefully checked.

An hour and a half later, it taxied to the runway—ready for its first flight.

Project manager Tobias Mörsel took his seat in the cockpit and personally conducted the maiden flight. The moment was witnessed by the management team and the entire development and design team.

With a steady hand and focused gaze, the AS 35 Mi gently lifted off the ground shortly thereafter in a self-launch – its first takeoff, a moment that had been the culmination of many months of intensive work.

A flight that exceeded expectations

During the approximately one-hour maiden flight, the basic systems, control responses, and flight characteristics were initially checked.

“The aircraft handles extremely well and is excellently balanced. The control feel is harmonious, precise, and direct—exactly as we had planned,” reported Tobias Mörsel after landing with a broad smile.

The maiden flight went completely according to plan. After completing the tests and initial flight maneuvers, photos and video recordings were taken of the new Schleicher development in the air – elegant, smooth, and powerful at the same time.

When the AS 35 Mi finally rolled to a gentle stop after an hour, the team was delighted. In high spirits, everyone exchanged their first impressions: about the impressive flight profile and the harmonious flight behavior of the AS 35 Mi.

An aircraft with character – performance meets independence

The 20-meter version of the AS 35 Mi has a wing area of 11.75 m² and, with a maximum takeoff weight of 730 kg, achieves a wing loading of over 62 kg/m².

In combination with the integrated Wankel engine and the steerable retractable tail wheel, it offers excellent handling on the ground and allows for complete independence.

The AS 35 Mi is a perfectly balanced overall system – a modern high-performance glider that combines performance, comfort, and versatility.

Presentations before the maiden flight

An exclusive launch event was held at the Von-Steinrück-Haus in Poppenhausen on October 25. Here, the AS 35 Mi was presented for the first time to a select group of customers who have already placed their trust in the new aircraft.

The public premiere followed a week later, on November 1, at the German Gliding Day in Hamburg, where the AS 35 Mi received great interest and enthusiastic feedback.

Teamwork, precision, and passion

The AS 35 Mi symbolizes what the company stands for: team spirit, precision, experience, and passion for gliding.

It is the result of countless hours of careful development work, planning, and joint effort.

Special thanks go to the entire team, which played a key role in the development and manufacture of the AS 35 Mi.

Without our team and its dedication, perseverance, and commitment, this milestone would not have been possible. Looking at the AS 35 Mi, all employees can be proud of the impressive result.

The maiden flight is our shared success – proof of what can be achieved when experience, passion, and teamwork come together.

Official flight testing will begin in the coming days and weeks. There is still a long way to go before the AS 35 Mi is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), but the maiden flight is a major step forward.