Design Innovation and Development
The Risen emerged from the engineering expertise of Alberto Porto, an Italian-Argentine aeronautical engineer whose consulting firm Porto Ricerca had previously worked with prestigious clients including Ferrari, Minardi Formula One, America's Cup sailing teams, and aircraft manufacturers Pilatus and Piaggio Aero Industries. Porto began prototype construction in 2010 with ambitious goals: creating an ultralight that would shatter performance expectations while maintaining the safety and handling characteristics demanded by recreational pilots.
The five-year development program culminated in the aircraft's public debut at AERO Friedrichshafen in April 2015, where its sleek carbon fiber construction and advanced avionics immediately distinguished it from conventional ultralights. Porto's fluid dynamics background proved crucial in achieving the aircraft's exceptional 1:23 glide ratio and optimizing airflow around the custom-designed propeller.
Record-Breaking Performance
The Risen's performance credentials became legendary on the international stage when Alberto Porto himself piloted the aircraft to an FAI Class R world speed record of 323.82 km/h in 2016. This achievement earned Porto the prestigious De la Vaulx Medal and VFR Magazine Oscar, establishing the Risen as the fastest ultralight aircraft in the world with a standard powerplant.
The aircraft's speed dominance continued into 2023 when it set a straight-course record of 428.18 km/h, demonstrating sustained performance capabilities that rival many certified general aviation aircraft. These records were achieved using the aircraft's standard Rotax 912 ULS engine, a 100-horsepower four-cylinder powerplant that has proven its reliability across more than 100,000 units produced since 1994.
Advanced Engineering Solutions
Unlike conventional ultralights that prioritize simplicity over sophistication, the Risen incorporates technologies typically found in high-end certified aircraft. The carbon fiber structure provides exceptional strength while keeping empty weight between 297-350 kg, allowing a maximum takeoff weight up to 625 kg depending on configuration.
Safety innovations include dual anti-explosion fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 85-120 liters, a ballistic recovery parachute system, and a carbon-reinforced cabin designed for occupant protection. The motorized canopy and glass cockpit with autopilot capabilities place the Risen firmly in the category of premium recreational aircraft rather than basic ultralight trainers.
Manufacturing and Variants
Swiss Excellence Airplanes, established in 2014 from Porto's consulting firm, operates a unique international production model with structural components manufactured in Switzerland and final assembly completed in Italy. This arrangement allows the company to leverage specialized expertise while maintaining quality control throughout the manufacturing process.
The company offers the aircraft in three distinct variants: the flagship Risen with retractable landing gear, and the Siren featuring fixed gear and a revised cockpit layout. Pricing ranges from €121,000 to €200,000 depending on equipment level, with Race, Sport, and Elegance finish options available to customers.
Operational Characteristics
Pilots praise the Risen's exceptional speed range, from a docile 55-78 km/h stall speed enabled by slotted flaps to cruise speeds of 312-365 km/h at 75 percent power. The side-by-side seating configuration with 1.23-meter cabin width provides comfortable accommodation for two occupants, while the retractable gear system contributes significantly to the aircraft's clean aerodynamic profile.
The Rotax powerplant options include the fuel-injected 912 iS variant, the turbocharged 914 producing 115 horsepower, and the latest 915 engine delivering 141 horsepower for maximum performance applications. All engines feature the horizontally-opposed, air-cooled configuration that has made Rotax the dominant supplier in the light aircraft market.
Legacy and Influence
The Risen's impact extends beyond its record-breaking achievements to influence the broader ultralight and light sport aircraft market. By demonstrating that ultralight category aircraft could achieve performance levels previously reserved for much heavier and more complex designs, the Risen has pushed competitors to reconsider the traditional compromises between weight, performance, and sophistication.
As of 2023, Swiss Excellence continues production with no announced end date, suggesting sustained market demand for high-performance recreational aircraft. The company's success with the Risen has established Switzerland as an unexpected but significant player in the global light aircraft market, joining the country's traditional strengths in precision manufacturing and engineering excellence.