- Enjoyment pure in Schleicher's new two-seater with 20m span!
- ASG 32 - the new highlight in the 20m Two-seater Class!
In addition to our long-proven ASK 21 trainer and our new ASH 30 Mi Open Class high performance glider, we are now introducing the ASG 32 – a totally new design specifically developed for the very popular 20 Meter FAI Two-seater Class. However, due to its wide range of options and engine variants, the ASG 32 will appeal as much to clubs and recreational pilots as it will to ambitious competition pilots.
The base model of the ASG 32 is a pure sailplane. All are equipped with an engine bay so that an engine can be retrofitted later without high additional costs.
Two very different engine systems
The self-launching version is called ASG 32 Mi. It is equipped with the well-known, quiet running rotary engine from Austro Engines, already installed and proven in over 500 Schleicher sailplanes. On-going development of this power plant with its electronic fuel injection gives this airplane a high degree of operating comfort and efficient power delivery in almost all meteorological situations.
A completely new development is an electrical propulsion unit for the non-selflaunching ASG 32 El variant. This propulsion system combines very easy operation with the lowest possible maintenance requirements as well as minimum noise levels.
To the ASG 32 El…
Rear cockpit engine controls are available as an option for both engine variants.
A complete new development
What all of these different models have in common is the most advanced aerodynamics available today. The design principles behind the very successful ASG 29 were rigorously applied to the new ASG 32.
The ASG 32 wing profile is most remarkable for its ability to achieve high climb rates even at higher wing loadings, which is especially beneficial for the motorized versions. Wing layout, winglets, wing-fuselage transitions and tail surfaces are all new designs and are optimally matched to each other. The wing skin has been designed to permit as little wing twist as possible.
Manoeuvrable, highly effective and performance-oriented
The renowned, elaborate Schleicher control mixer gives the ASG 32 outstanding manoeuvrability. Compared with the ASG 29, the kinematics were further developed to provide even better aileron effectiveness in positive flap settings and maximum achieved climb rates while circling. In addition, this system permits effective landing flap settings of up to + 50°, which, in combination with the double bladed upper surface air brakes, results in outstanding landing handling characteristics. Naturally, the sealing of all control gaps with plastic strips is included as a basic feature.
Easy rigging
Thanks to the planar wing geometry with its relatively inboard wing-to-wing joint, the 4 piece wing with winglets can be easily rigged single handedly with the help of a rigging aid.
In order to provide maximum flexibility in combining extra wing fuel and waterballast tanks, high quality polyurethane waterballast tanks are used in combination with maintenance free, mechanical dump valves.
Pilot safety further improved
The fuselage was designed for cockpit safety and ergonomics and was mostly derived from the ASH 30 Mi. It also takes into account the new cockpit crashworthiness requirements, recently increased from 6g to 9g. In case of an accident, the shape of the seat pan and the position of the seat belt anchoring points provide the best possible protection.
The comfortable cockpits provide room for up to 2m (6’7’’) tall pilots. Entry into the cockpits is made easy and comfortable by the forward and back hinged canopies. In addition, the front instrument panel lifts with the canopy which not only makes entry easier but also assures a safe emergency exit. The in-flight adjustable backrest and the very comfortable seating position, especially in the front cockpit, are very similar to those of a single-seater.
Full control also in the rear cockpit
The front and back seats each have a complete set of controls so that the pilot in command can also fly from the back cockpit. The large diameter main wheel can also be operated from the back seat.
Because the main wheel swings forward on extraction it was possible to eliminate a drag creating nose wheel without risking fuselage damage on application of engine power or maximum application of the hydraulic disc wheel brake on landing.
The overall layout of the ASG 32 was not only meant to achieve a maximum possible wing loading of 54.1 kg/sq.m but also to allow for a high cockpit loading so that a sufficient amount of extra equipment could be carried during glider touring.
In-flight adjustable rudder pedals and air vents are also standard in both cockpits. The air vents plus two independently controllable anti-fogging vents are located on the right side of the fuselage in each cockpit. Optional features include e.g. acrylic paint, solar cells on the engine doors, tinted canopies and wingtip wheels.
Many equipment variants
Special highlights include the bug wiper garages which are integrated in the fuselage sides and an anti-collision LED strobe light (ACL) installed in the nose of the vertical stabilizer.
Another unique refinement on the ASG 32 is the newly developed fully retractable and steerable tail wheel which works in conjunction with the main undercarriage. This eliminates all the aerodynamic penalties normally associated with a steerable tail wheel.
Improved visibility in the air
The ASG 32 is the only current series-built composite sailplane which can be completely painted in various colours. That opens up the possibility of painting large parts of the fuselage, tailplane and wings in different colours.
Even in the age of FLARM it’s important to further improve visibility in the air. White colour has a low contrast against clouds and blue sky. Orange and red stand out very clearly against all the natural backgrounds (sky, clouds, vegetation, snow).
At present the approval procedure covers the colours Pure Orange (RAL 2004), Traffic Orange (RAL 2009) and Traffic Red (RAL 3020). If required, further colours can be certified.
If you would like to know more about the new cockpit and the proven engine system, please look also at the larger sister model ASH 30 Mi.
Photos: Manfred Münch