Alpina 4001Pro Carbon Edition whistling down the wind

Alpina 4001 ...The Lineage & Evolution 1. The Multiplex Roots (1980s – 1990s) The Alpina story began in 1980 when Multiplex (MPX) introduced the original 4-meter Alpina. It disrupted the market by proving that a large-scale glider could handle like a small hotliner while retaining excellent thermal performance. This layout evolved through variants like the Alpina Magic before culminating in the completely redesigned Alpina 4001 in the late 1990s, featuring a highly efficient modified RG-Strak wing profile. 2. The Tangent Transition & The "Pro" Era In the mid-2000s, production of Multiplex’s classic sheeted-wing gliders transitioned to Tangent Modeltechnik (a manufacturer that also collaborated closely with Graupner during various periods). Tangent took the proven aerodynamic design of the 4001 and completely overhauled its structural integrity, adding the "Pro" designation. They introduced: A refined, high-quality GRP/CFRP (glass/carbon reinforced plastic) fuselage. "Live Hinge" technology, which eliminated old-school tape hinges in favor of elastic-flap control surfaces molded directly into the skin for minimum drag and absolute precision. 3. The Carbon Master Edition (CME) To satisfy pilots pushing the 4-meter frame into high-speed alpine diving and extreme slope environments, Tangent launched the Carbon Master Edition (CME), often referred to commercially as the Pro Carbon Edition. Rather than relying purely on glass cloth under the Abachi wood veneer, Tangent introduced a comprehensive hybrid carbon-fiber lay-up. The wing structure incorporated a full carbon spar system combined with extensive carbon-tissue reinforcement running the full length of the wing skin. Technical Architecture The Pro Carbon Edition became famous for its structural rigidity, virtually eliminating the wing flutter that plagued earlier open-structure or lightly reinforced 4-meter gliders. Parameter Specification Wingspan 4001 mm Wing Airfoil RG-Strak modified Wing Area 80.6 dm Flying Weight ~4.6 kg to 5.4 kg (depending on pure glider vs. electric layout) Wing Construction Styrofoam core, full carbon-tissue reinforcement, selected Abachi sheeting Control Layout 4 to 6-flap wing configurations (Ailerons, Flaps, optional Airbrakes) The Pilot's Verdict: The Carbon Edition changed the operational envelope of the Alpina. While the Carbon Thermik variant leaned toward lightweight thermal hunting, the Carbon Master/Pro build allowed pilots to confidently roll into a vertical 300-meter dive from a coastal cliff or mountain peak, pull out hard into a high-G loop, and retain every ounce of energy without the wings deflecting or fluttering. While the modern market has shifted heavily toward fully molded hollow-composite (molded carbon) ships—such as the newer all-moulded Alpina Carbotec—the Tangent Styro-Abachi Carbon Edition remains widely regarded as one of the toughest, most repairable, and sweetest-handling large-scale slope machines ever built.