Pterodactyl Ascender

For other aircraft named "Pterodactyl", see Pterodactyl (disambiguation).
Pterodactyl series
Pterodactyl Ascender II+2
Role ultralight personal, trainer aircraft
National origin USA
Manufacturer Pterodactyl Limited
Designer Jack McCornack
First flight 1977
Introduction 1979
Produced 1979–1984
Number built 1396
Developed from Manta Fledge IIB hang glider
Jack McCornack flying the Pterodactyl Ascender II in a zoom
An Ascender II+2 two seater. The powerplant is a Rotax 503 50 hp (37 kW) two stroke.
Pterodactyl Ascender II+2
Fly camping with a DFE Ascender III-C two seater.
Newly completed DFE Ascender III-C prior to first flight, 2004
DFE Ascender III-C in front of its hangar. The aircraft in the background is a Quad City Challenger II.

The Pterodactyl Ascender is a family of U.S. designed and built ultralight aircraft that were sold in kit form between 1979 and 1984 under Pterodactyl Limited and is currently being sold by DFE Ultralights.

With a total production of 1,396 aircraft between 1979 and 1984 plus limited production today as the DFE Ascender III series, the aircraft has been one of the most influential designs in ultralight aviation.[1][2]

  1. ^ Hunt, Adam (September 2, 2005). "Pterodactyl History". Archived from the original on September 24, 2009. Retrieved August 25, 2009.
  2. ^ Cliche, Andre: Ultralight Aircraft Shopper's Guide 8th Edition, pages B-4-5. Cybair Limited Publishing, 2001. ISBN 0-9680628-1-4