News
“Sometimes I would like to sit in Front”
Holger Weitzel flies ASG 32 Mi and ASH 31 Mi
People who know Holger Weitzel are aware that he is significantly taller (2.06m or 6’ 9”) than average. However, that doesn’t prevent him from enjoying his dearest hobby, ideally over the whole year.
During the summer, the passionate aero photographer makes long cross-country flights with his ASH 31 Mi. As with his previous sailplane, an ASH 26 E, he has made a number of cockpit modifications so that he can make longer flights in comfort. learn more
An ASW 12 is Brought Back to Life
Hans-Peter Elkmann Fulfills a Dream from his Youth
Even after 52 years it’s not too late to fulfill a dream. Hans-Peter Elkmann did just that with the purchase of a “legendary” ASW 12. Recently, he sent us a few emotional words about this event which we are happy to publish here. Also, as the manufacturer, we are naturally especially happy about such a nice story and that the ASW 12, a milestone in the company’s history, continues to draw its circles in the sky. learn more
Successes at the US Championships
National and Regional Contests near Season’s End
left picture: Chip Bearden (24), Tom Holloran, Henry Nixon (28)
right picture: Dan Reagan (31), Mike Smith (27), Peter Scarpelli (29)
US soaring competitions stretched all the way into October this year. Again, Schleicher pilots were able to achieve outstanding results.
At the US Nationals in Waynesville, Ohio, Chip Bearden (ASW 24) came second just in front of Henry Nixon (ASW 28). In the Sports class the podium was completely occupied by Schleicher pilots: Mike Smith (ASW 27) became US champion, followed by Peter Scarpelli (ASG 29) and Dan Reagan (ASH 31 Mi).
AS 33 the first time rigged in our factory
Although the final painting is not yet finished, this picture gives a first impression of our completed new 18m-competition glider.
Top Results for Schleicher Pilots
Steffen Schwarzer new German Champion
Steffen Schwarzer
In recent weeks, shortly before and during our company vacations, pilots flying AS sailplanes were again able to achieve outstanding competition results and became champions in many countries. We congratulate them sincerely.
Tomasz Rubaj and Christoph Matkowski are 2019 European Champions with the ASG 32 Mi
ASG 29 E pilot Karol Staryszak second in the 18m class
Difficult weather and tight standings made the 2019 European Championships in Stalowa Wola exciting right up to the end.
Despite the complicated conditions the Tomasz Rubaj and Christoph Matkowski team in the ASG 32 Mi was able to maintain its lead in the 20m two-seater class from the first to the last day. learn more
AS 33: Wing load test successfully completed
More fuselage payload possible
Test wing at the moment where 1,725-times the
maximum possible loads in flight are acting.
The consequent aerodynamic design of the AS 33 with a wing area of only 10 m² and a profile thicknesses below 13% even in the wing-fuselage junction results in very high requirements for the wing structure.
With the combination of well proven design methods and modern nonlinear finite element analysis it was possible to realize a wing structure without any additional weight, compared to the ASG 29, carrying even higher loads.
AERO 2019 – Postscript
Much News and a big Surprise
The 2019 Aero in Friedrichshafen was marked by innovation, much of which could be seen at the Schleicher stand. Modifications to the ASG 32 Mi, detailed information about the new AS 33 18m glider, the new ASK 21 B and, of course, the announcement of our latest project, the 15/18m AS 34 Me electric self-launcher. learn more
EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2019-07
Important instructions for the rigging of sailplanes
Due to an accident, the EASA has published a Safety Information Bulletin dealing with the correct rigging of sailplanes.
More information: https://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2019-07.
You can find the bulletin on our website in the category “Generally TN” as well.
AS 34 Me introduced at the AERO
Electric Powered Self-Launching Standard Class Sailplane
“Self-Launch simply electrically” were the keywords on the large display announcing our newest aircraft type, the AS 34 Me, at the AERO exhibition in Friedrichshafen, Germany. It was surely a big surprise for many visitors who were looking for an easy to fly, fun aircraft with self-launching capability at a reasonable purchase price and with low maintenance costs.
The AS 34 Me does not only have outstanding handling characteristics and very good flying performance. The electrical propulsion system also offers sufficient power to permit everyday powered sailplane operations. In addition to abundant performance for a powerful self-launch (to e.g. 500 m), the electric drive system also retains enough capacity for a further climb to 2,250 m, permitting an additional gliding range of 130 km using the saw-tooth climb/glide method. learn more