After the 1978 World Championship in Chateauroux, the discussion regarding the limits and possibilities of the open class was re-opened. At this time, Gerhard Waibel stated openly that he was working on a new machine for the open class with optional 22 or 24 m span, to be called the ASW 22. Immediately verbal battles erupted.
Despite all possible efforts, the ASW 22 was not ready in time for the 1981 World Championships in Paderborn. It was not finished until 4 weeks later.
Adolf Wilsch: “Even without the heavy pressure of meeting a deadline, one was “a little nervous” after the World Championships. This is quite understandable and was freely admitted by the Schleicher people. Therefore they decided on an unofficial first flight on July 4th in Schweinfurt without any publicity.”
Shortly after the first flight Walter Neubert convincingly won the 1981 Baden-Württemberg regional championship in Mengen with the prototype.
Technical Data
Muster / Type | ASW 22 |
Klasse / Class | Offene Klasse / Open class |
Sitze / Seats | 1 |
Erstflug / Maiden flight | 04.07.1981 |
Herstellungszeitraum / Production period | 1981 – 1985 |
Stückzahl / Number of pieces | 36 |
Konstrukteuer / Designer | Gerhard Waibel |
Spannweite / Span | 22.0 m (24 m) |
Rumpflänge / Fuselage length | 7.95 m |
Höhe / Height | 1.66 m |
Flügelfläche / Wing area | 14.9 m² (15.5 m²) |
Flügelstreckung / Wing aspect ratio | 32.47 (37.19) |
Flügelprofil / Airfoil | HQ 17-14.8 / FX 60-126 K 25 |
Leermasse / Empty weight | 400 kg (410 kg) |
Höchstflugmasse / Max. weight | 750 kg (650 kg) |
Wasserballast / Water ballast | 240 l (185 l) |
Max. Flächenbelastung / Max. wing load | 50.3 kg/m² (42 kg/m²) |
Geringstes Sinken / Min. sink | 0.44 m/s (0.41 m/s) |
Gleitzahl / Best glide ratio | 54 (57) |