Schleicher ASW 17
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (December 2012) |
| ASW 17 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Open-class sailplane |
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Schleicher |
| Designer | Gerhard Waibel |
| First flight | 17 July Template:Avyear |
| Number built | 55 |
The Schleicher ASW 17 is a single-seat Open Class sailplane that was built by the German manufacturer Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. It was also known as the Super Orchidee.
Design and development
The ASW 17 was designed by Gerhard Waibel, supposedly as a development of the Schleicher ASW 12, but was an entirely new design. The wing is in four sections. The camber-changing flaps are connected to the ailerons. It has Schempp-Hirth airbrakes plus an optional tail parachute. It first flew on 17 July 1971 and 55 were built before production stopped in 1976.
Variants
In addition to the regular ASW 17, there is an ASW 17S which was a 21-metre span version built in 1973 but this was later reduced to 20m. The ASW 17X was also a single aircraft that was built in 1976 with 19-metre span. One other was modified to 23 metres after production.
Competition history
ASW 17s came second in the World Gliding Championships in 1972, third in 1974. George Lee won in 1976 and in 1978 in an ASW 17. Hans-Werner Grosse broke several world records in his ASW 17 including: the record goal flight at 1,231 km in 1974, the triangular distance record 1,063 km in 1977 and then again at 1,306.9 km, and the 1,250 km speed triangle at 133.24 km/h in 1980. Karl Striedeck broke another record by a flight of 1,634.7 km out and return in 1977 in an ASW 17.
Specifications (ASW 17)
General characteristics
- Crew: One
- Capacity: 100 kg (220 lb) water ballast
- Aspect ratio: 27
Performance
- Maximum glide ratio: 48
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
- Gliders and Sailplanes of the World by Michael Hardy - Ian Allan Ltd 1982 ISBN 0-7110-1152-4
- Sailplanes 1965-2000 by Martin Simons - Eqip ISBN 3-9808838-1-7
External links
