TYPE: Side-by-side ultralight/kitbuilt.

PROGRAMME: Prototype (F-WARA, later F-PARA), then known as AAT Balbuzard, first flew 9 July 1995, powered by 59.6 kW (79.9 hp) Rotax 912. Second prototype (also F-PARA, but different airframe) followed in July 1996, fitted with 88.0 kW (118 hp) Textron Lycoming O-235 and three-blade, fixed-pitch propeller; also featured lower positioned wing of increased span and with winglets; plus redesigned landing gear of greater height; flew 200 hours, achieving 180 kt (333 km/h; 207 mph) at 550 m (1,800 ft), but glass fibre construction judged too heavy; refitted with Airplast constant-speed propeller; lost in 1997, following propeller driveshaft break in flight.
Third prototype (F-PTCD) produced in July 1998; name changed to AAT Baljims 1A (acronym of designer, test pilot and family members) after Eurocopter found to have prior claim to Balbuzard name; flew 150 hours. Fourth prototype was 15 m (49 ft) motor glider (F-PBAL), which was discontinued after 30 hours of experimental flying.
Further redesign, most notably in pre-impregnated carbon fibre for weight reduction, plus double-slotted flaps and fail-safe wing structure, resulted in Ameur Altania prototype (registration F-WSTA reserved), scheduled to have flown in mid-2001, although appears not to have been proceeded with and replaced with fifth aircraft (F-WWMU), which first flew December 2001 and has since been fitted with upturned wingtips. Altania is initially in ultralight category, with first deliveries due in fourth quarter of 2002, while JAR-VLA and FAR Pt23 versions will follow.

CURRENT VERSIONS: Balbuzard/Baljims: Earlier versions.
Altania RG 80 UL: Retractable gear, 80 hp ultralight; as described.
Altania Vista: Surveillance version, suitable for security/law enforcement, environmental protection and powerline/pipeline inspection; promoted by Thales Aerosurveillance; mockup shown at Paris in June 2001. Day/night sensor turret in starboard underside, with controls and operating mechanism replacing passenger's seat; datalink to ground station. Observation speed 60 to 90 kt (111 to 167 km/h; 69 to 104 mph), VNE 180 kt (333 km/h; 207 mph).
Altania Saphir (formerly Altania 4): Four-seat version, with same fuselage, proposed for Experimental category; 89.5 kW (120 hp) Jabiru 3300 flat-six engine; available only as kit.
Altajet: Described separately.

COSTS: Kit €67,500; flyaway €89,500; both plus VAT (2001).

DESIGN FEATURES: Aerodynamically efficient configuration with 'buried' engine, pusher propeller at extreme rear and V tail with two ventral strakes. Air intake above cockpit. Driveshaft to propeller has universal joints and restraining rings in the event of joint failure.

FLYING CONTROLS: Manual. Frise ailerons, plus combined elevators and rudders. Electrically actuated double-slotted flaps. Optional electric trim.

STRUCTURE: Pre-impregnated carbon/epoxy and honeycomb, including single-piece fuselage and single-spar, fail-safe wing.

LANDING GEAR: Tricycle type; retractable. Mainwheels retract inward and rearward; nosewheel rearward; mainwheel size 5.00-5; nosewheel 11x4.00-5. Hydraulic brakes on mainwheels.

POWER PLANT: One 59.7 kW (80 hp) Jabiru 2200 flat-four driving a three-blade propeller; fuel in fuselage tank, total 85 litres (22.5 US gallons; 18.7 Imp gallons). Certified versions have two wing tanks, increasing total capacity to 328 litres (86.6 US gallons; 72.2 Imp gallons). Four-seat version fuel capacity is 120 litres (31.7 US gallons; 26.4 Imp gallons).

ACCOMMODATION: Pilot and passenger under one-piece blown Perspex canopy. Baggage locker.

AVIONICS: Comms: Transponder standard.
Flight: GPS standard. Instrumentation: Optional 'glass cockpit'.

EQUIPMENT: Ballistic parachute standard.