Schleicher ASW 15

ASW 15
ASW 15B
Role Sailplane
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Schleicher
Designer Gerhard Waibel
First flight ca. 1968
Status Most still active with private users and few clubs.
Number built ca.449

The ASW-15, designed in 1968 by Gerhard Waibel and built in series by Schleicher, is a glass composite sailplane, with shoulder-mounted wings and all-flying tailplane. The placement of its single tow-release is a compromise between the ideal placement for winching and aerotowing. The later ASW-15B had several improvements, including a tow-release placed on the plane of symmetry, an 11 cm taller rudder, a slightly larger main wheel, and the provision of a 90-litre water ballast system.

Rot due to fungus infestation was found in an early example, leading to an Airworthiness Directive. Starting with serial number 356, balsa wood was abandoned in the construction in favour of synthetic foam.

In 1971 and 1972, the American pilot Karl Striedieck set world out-and-return distance soaring records three times flying an ASW-15, including one flight of 1009.854 kilometers on October 15, 1972.

It was succeeded by the Schleicher ASW 19.

ASW 15B

Aircraft on display

Specifications (ASW 15)

General characteristics

  • Crew: One
  • Capacity: 90 kg (198 lb) water ballast (B only)
  • Length: 6.48 m (21 ft 3 in)
  • Wingspan: 15.00 m (49 ft 3 in)
  • Wing area: 11.0 m2 (118 ft2)
  • Aspect ratio: 20.5
  • Wing profile: Wortmann FX 61-163
  • Empty weight: 230 kg (506 lb)
  • Gross weight: 408 kg (897 lb)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 220 km/h (137 mph)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 38:1 at 49knots/56mph/90kmh (Ref. Flight man.)
  • Rate of sink: 0.59 m/s (116ft/min - 1,15knots, ft/min)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

References

Notes
  1. ↑ US Southwest Soaring Museum (2010). "Sailplanes, Hang Gliders & Motor Gliders". Retrieved 26 May 2011.
Bibliography
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