fine-tuned for 18m FAI class
ASG 29 E
greater independence with sustainer engine
As a result of persistent customer requests and the ever increasing popularity of the FAI 18-metre class we are now introducing our new ASG 29.
With this aircraft we have focused on top performance and the interest of the competition pilot. Later
self launching versions were ruled out right from the start, allowing our design team to avoid the
numerous design compromises which have plagued previous 18m flapped gliders. Instead the team
around Michael Greiner focused on optimizing competition scores.
With a very low empty weight of approx. 280 kg (617 lbs) we were able to reduce the wing area to only 10.5 m² (113 sqft) resulting in a performance boosting aspect ratio of almost 31.
Still, a minimum wing loading of 33 kg/m² (6.75 lb/sqft) is possible, which can be increased to 57 kg/m² (11.67 lb/sqft).
Wing tanks holding 2x85 liters plus an optional fuselage tank of 35 liters make for a total of more than
200 liters of water ballast. A tail tank for C of G adjustments is available as an optional extra.
For an optimum wing lay-out in both 15m as well as 18m configuration a wing joint is located at just over half wingspan. This approach has reduced the weight of all four wing panels to easily manageable levels and allows the exchangeable winglets to be used for 15- and 18-metre configuration.
Very long ailerons and a further refined aileron/flap control system ensure a superb control response and a very fast roll rate. The blowhole boundary layer control system was adopted from the successful ASW 27.
Integrated in flaps and ailerons, it intentionally
trips the laminar airflow as far back as 95% of chord. The resulting low drag is evident
in an incredible glide and an equally good climb performance. Needless to say that
top and bottom of all control surface gaps are sealed by "Mylar" tapes.
Fuselage and the fuselage/wing transition were designed in line with the latest aerodynamic research. In addition occupant safety was further enhanced by integrating Carbon/Dyneema reinforcements into the already renowned Schleicher safety cockpit.
Far roomier than any other high performance glider it also features superb visibility and offers unsurpassed pilot comfort.
The standard aircraft is equipped as follows:
ASG 29 E
with power plant featuring unmatched simplicity and reliability.
Due to sustained and unrelenting customer demand we have now released the ASG 29 with sustainer engine.
Avoiding outlandings is certainly a very good reason for a "sustainer", but an engine 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.
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. A big step forward - not only in terms of simplicity but also in terms of safety.
Of course, a multi function engine control unit is integrated into the instrument panel with indication of fuel level, battery voltage, engine speed and total engine hours. It also displays a warning message about low fuel levels and prevents a start in case the engine is not fully extended.
ENGINE TYPE and ENGINE OPERATION
For the ASG 29 E the SOLO 2350 engine was chosen (identical to ASW 28-18 E). This lightweight 18hp 2-cylinder engine is equipped with a direct driven 1.2 m diameter 2-bladed propeller and is extended/retracted by an electrical spindle drive.
Engine operation is as easy as never before. Instead of relying on a failure prone sensors and switches we have developed a simple and more reliable mechanical engine control unit based on the single leaver concept. The engine is extended by moving the control lever to the first indent and when the green light illuminates the pilot only moves the lever further forward until the decompression valve is activated and the propeller starts spinning courtesy of the airflow. As soon as the engine comes to life the ASG 29 E climbs at a rate of just over 2kt or 1m/s.
Retracting the engine is just as easy. An integrated propeller stop ensures a vertical position for retraction. Again the correct retraction sequence is dictated by a single lever on the left cockpit wall for minimum pilot distraction.
Solar panels are available as an optional extra. Neatly recessed into the engine bay doors these solar panels provide free in flight charging power to either avionics or engine battery without any performance penalties.
The additional weight for the entire drive unit including all accessories and battery is just 45kg. Of course, the drive unit is quickly removable if required but as the ASG 29 E responds well to slightly increased wing loadings performance penalties are almost non-existent.
ASG 29 - a mix of elegance with unsurpassed quality for the fastidious aviator.
ASG 29 - a glider with unbeatable performance for record hunters and competition pilots.
ASG 29 - an aircraft certain to retain its value like no other glider on the market!
For a taste of things to come, have a look at our photo gallery:
Download Info: click here
Photos taken by Manfred Münch
