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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.

The aerotow combination shortly after liftoff.

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.

Happy faces after the successful first flight. Maiden flight pilot Ingmar Mayerbuch with first chairman Aaron Sutor and new AK-X project manager Vincent Löffler (from left to right).

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.

  • Former project manager Nikolas Braun
  • First launch
  • Tow release
  • Debriefing after the first flight
  • Rolling out after the second landing
  • Second pilot: alumnus Ulrich Deck
  • Nikolas Braun, Ingmar Mayerbuch, Aaron Sutor (from left to right)
  • A happy maiden flight team
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AK-X Reveal

On January 23, 2026, after more than 15 years of project duration and thousands of hours of project work, we were finally able to present the AK-X to the public in the Gerthsen Lecture Hall at KIT. Following welcoming addresses by KIT Vice President Dr. Schwartze, State Parliament member Mr. Salomon, Deputy Chairman of the KSB Foundation Dr. Warth, and DAeC President Claus Cordes, an introduction was given to the work of the Akafliegs in Germany and their special role in the development of aviation, as well as in the education of engineers and scientists to meet future challenges.

Alongside the AK-X, the new project of Akaflieg Karlsruhe, the AK-11,was also in the spotlight that evening. The successor project to the AK-X was presented as part of the program, highlighting the distinctive features of the new development and its innovative concept. Afterwards, the more than 700 guests were given insights into the challenges and milestones of the AK-X project by our current and former project managers. The highlight of the evening was ultimately the unveiling of the AK-X.

Following the official part of the program, all attendees had the opportunity to view the aircraft up close and to engage in conversation with our members during a convivial evening.

Special thanks go to our sponsors and supporters, who accompanied us throughout the entire project duration, as well as to all our guests who made this evening a truly special experience for us and allowed themselves to be inspired by our enthusiasm for the project.