ASW 28 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 The ASW 24 (predecessor of the ASW 28) was widely recognized as the Standard Class glider with the best glide performance - especially in the upper speed range. However, in very narrow and turbulent thermals an unpredicted separation of the boundary layer increased drag and reduced climb performance significantly. This led to the development of a brand new wing. It features an airfoil with a greatly enhanced tolerance to turbulence, new winglets and a new wing lay-out with high aspect ratio. In addition the successful measures for optimizing the ASW 27 climb performance were incorporated resulting in a significantly higher effective lift in circling flight. Direct flight comparisons have clearly demonstrated that the ASW 28 climbs just as well as other models but features a superior glide performance – especially in the upper speed range. The new airfoil in combination with the high construction quality makes the air “cling” to the wing for minimum drag - even in extremely turbulent conditions. Thanks to the recent availability of water impermeable resins the ASW 28 is equipped with large 200 liter water ballast tanks allowing wing loadings between approx. 30 kg/m² and 50 kg/m² and a maximum speed of 270 kph (145 kt). Thanks to innovations and advances in fiber composite materials the way was paved for a further improvement of the high speed cruise and a maximum glide ratio of 45:1. The mechanical dump valves are connected automatically when rigging and filling of wing ballast is facilitated through “concealed” drain outlets on the underside of the wings. To ensure safe take offs with partial water ballast the tanks are separated into two compartments per wing and although all water ballast is located close to the C of G line a fin tank is available on request. With or without fin tank, the ASW 28 retains its superb handling qualities and its pleasant flight characteristics even when fully ballasted. FUSELAGE and COCKPIT The roomy safety cockpit is another big plus for the ASW 28. Pilots can only maintain peak performance for any length of time if they are able to fully relax in a comfortable cockpit. For this reason the ASW 28 cockpit was designed to accommodate full size pilots with a bit of spare space for comfort and luggage. Needless to say that all safety features for which designer Gerhard Waibel received an OSTIV award were fully incorporated. The front hinged canopy with sliding window offers excellent visibility and makes getting in and out of the glider as comfortable as possible. Typical for all Schleicher sailplanes, the integrated instrument panel hinges upwards with the canopy but ensures that the instruments remain fully enclosed. A gas strut not only ensures low lifting forces but more importantly prevents the canopy from being damaged when blown shut by a wind gust. In line with the latest safety research the rear section of the canopy frame is especially shaped to allow safe emergency jettison. Also standard is a pneumatic tail wheel and dual releases for aerotow and winch launching as well as automatic control connections. The winch hook is in front of the main wheel but fully covered by the undercarriage doors when the wheel is retracted. Ample cockpit ventilation is provided by 3 adjustable air intakes through the aircraft’s nose, the clear vision panel and an airliner style vent on the right cockpit wall. A speed trim integrated into the control column, the in flight adjustable backs rest, the comfortable seat cushions, and the adjustable rudder pedals are only some of the cockpit features that Schleicher customers have come to expect. Generous rubber shock absorbers plus the big 350x125 tire with hydraulic disc brake characterize the undercarriage. In addition an overload weak link for additional occupant protection is provided. The entire unit retracts into an airtight undercarriage compartment to avoid drag creating air leakage from the fuselage interior. HANDLING Today’s top competition glider will become tomorrow’s club trainer as long as it exhibits very docile flying characteristics. This is where the ASW 28 really shines. Despite its top performance it is very easy to fly and safe to be used as a club’s first single-seater. In fact it behaves just as instructors would want a first single seater to behave. First time ASW 28 pilots are regularly surprised to find that the aircraft remains controllable even when flown with the control column hard against the back stop. The rate of roll is equally impressive; at about 3.5 seconds from 45° to 45° bank angle the ASW 28 is an extremely responsive glider with excellent control harmonization and stability. No other Standard Class aircraft combines top performance with ease of handling better than the ASW 28 and no other modern glider is better suited for less experienced pilots. Download Info: click here Photos: Manfred Münch top