A fusion of performance and flexibility
With the new ASW 28 Schleicher introduces a level of flexibility and options never seen before. This latest development is available in 3 different models and can be ordered to best suit the owner’s preferences and individual requirements.
ASW 28
15 meter span optimized for FAI Standard Class
ASW 28-18
18 meter (or 15 m) wingspan 18m Class or Standard Class
ASW 28-18 E
15 meter or 18 meter wingspan with sustainer engine
ASW 28-18 ...A class of its own!
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. 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.
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. In addition the wings of the ASW 28-18 are divided at just over half span for reduced weight and ease of rigging.
ASW 28-18 E
Sustainer power at a touch of a button
Due to sustained and unrelenting customer demand we have now released the ASW 28-18 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 ASW 28-18 the SOLO 2350 engine was chosen. 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. Ease of operation and reliability were the main design objectives.
For this reason 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 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.
Endurance on the 6.5 liter fuselage tank is sufficient for a lengthy “self retrieve” but if that is not enough 2 additional fuel bladders can be installed in the wing. 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 ASW 28-18E responds well to slightly increased wing loadings performance penalties are almost non-existent.
With the ASW 28-18 E Schleicher continues their tradition of building first class motorized sailplanes. Top performance and superb handling are combined with a simple and most user friendly power plant currently available.
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Fotos: Manfred Münch
