- With 18m or 15m span at home in two classes.
- More independence with a sustainer.
After the very positive customer response to the ASW 28 many pilots demanded an 18 meter version for greater flexibility and increased performance. The challenge was to transfer the superb handling of the original ASW 28 into the ASW 28 -18 and further improve an already elegant appearance. Now that the ASW 28-18 is in series production there is no doubt that both objectives were met.
Compared to the ASW 28, the wing of the ASW 28-18 has a wing-wing-connection at a half span of 5.25 m. For this reason, because of higher useful load in the fuselage (285 kg non-lifting-parts) and the larger span, the wing structure was completely revised.
Assembly is made quick and easy by automatic control connections and an automatic hook up of ailerons on connection of the outer wing panels.
Handy and compact
Inner wing panels and interchangeable winglets are identical but different wingtips (for either 15 or 18 meter configuration) have created a versatile glider which is pleasing to the eye on the ground and sheer delight in the air.
Highly refined aerodynamics and blowhole technology for boundary layer control make for a glide ratio of 48:1 and put this new glider into a performance bracket of older generation Open Class aircraft. The maximum all up weight of 575 kg allows wing loadings of up to 48 kg/m² and enables the ASW 28 pilot to take full advantage of the remarkable high speed cruise.
The maximum take-off mass of 575 kg allows a wing loading of 48 kg/m² and enables the pilot to reach the full potential of the very substantial performance in the high speed range of the ASW 28-18.
A truly excellent rate of roll is the result of large ailerons which extend over almost half the wingspan. Combined with the slightly increased tailplane and the large rudder it provides superb control responsiveness and control harmonization. Best of all, the docile flight characteristics extend right down to the speed of stall and beyond.
Assembly is made quick and easy by automatic control connections and an automatic hook up of ailerons on connection of the outer wing panels.
Pilot safety and comfort
A more detailed view of the ASW 28-18 shows the roomy safety cockpit offers all modern comforts and ease of operation, even for tall pilots. The cockpit, designed according to latest research results in the field of safety and accident protection, includes a glider rescue system as an option for the near future. The rubber-shockmounted, retractable landing gear with „crush zone“ in the steel struts for overload and hydraulic disc brake, the adjustable backrest, the upwards-hinging instrument panel and the speed trim, are only some of the many available conveniences.
Motorglider ASW 28-18 E
Avoiding outlandings is certainly a very good reason for a “sustainer”, but the ASW 28-18 E engine system offers numerous additional benefits. For example, it allows pilots to participate in gliding safaris, explore wave or simply extend flights into areas otherwise beyond reach.
For the ASW 28-18 E the SOLO 2350 engine was chosen. This lightweight 24hp 2-cylinder engine is equipped with a direct driven 1.2 m diameter Schleicher made 2-bladed propeller and is extended / retracted by an electrical spindle drive. Reliability and ease of use are the distinguishing features of this engine system.
Convenience is taken one step further by the single lever engine control system. Neatly integrated into the left cockpit wall the unit contains all engine control functions and eliminates problems with incorrect engine management.
The drive unit includes a decompression valve for air-starts evading such items as starter motor, choke or throttle (Spinning the propeller is courtesy of the airflow). The engine is extended by moving the control lever to the first stop and when the green light illuminates the pilot only needs to put the lever in the foremost position. This retracts the propeller stop, turns on the ignition and opens the decompression valves. Now the pilot just moves the control lever to “START” and once the engine is running the ASW 28-18 E climbs at a rate of just over 2.3 kt or 1.2 m/s.
Photos: Manfred Münch
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