The AK-X takes flight!

On Wednesday, 30 September 2026, the day had finally come. The aerotow procedure and ground handling had been tested, the procedures talked through, and the flight order filled in. At 8:34 a.m. the tow plane, Akaflieg Stuttgart’s fs35, takes up the slack in the rope. Moments later, the AK-X lifts off for the first time in its history. At the controls is Ingmar Mayerbuch, Head of Flight Operations & Flight Facility at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The takeoff looks like any other, except that what is climbing away here is the world’s only tailless glider currently flying. The aerotow goes up to 8,000 ft MSL, where Ingmar begins the first tests: trim speeds, control authority, flaps, airbrakes… A little later the AK-X is on approach to runway 08, and the first flight is rounded off with a buttery-smooth landing.

In its first two days, the AK-X has already completed eight flights with four different pilots, and the verdict is largely very positive. Even so, several points have already been identified that will be improved step by step over the coming months.

We’re still completely overwhelmed that the aircraft actually flies! After so many years of development, design and construction, seeing the AK-X in the air is a very special moment. It’s a huge step for the whole project and for everyone who has worked on it over the years.

The first flights took place in a very small setting. Next spring, everyone will have the chance to see the AK-X up close and in flight. We will share more details soon.