Report from Germany – Dave Nadler 14-April-2011
New Open-Class gliders !
At the Aero show in Friedrichshafen, a few new gliders are on exhibit. Lange Aviation has an Antares 23E, which is a longer-winged version of the Antares 20E and features the Antares electric self-launch system. Antares 23E has 5 water tanks each side, including a new tank aft of the spar (in back of the batteries). Holding 250 liters allows a wing-loading range of 40-58 kg/m2 (8.2-11.9 lbs/ft2), with the excellent high-speed performance of the Antares wing.
Antares 23E and 18T (in back)
Schempp-Hirth has their new Quintus M suspended from the ceiling, which makes an impressive display. Quintus shares the wing with Antares 23E, but is available with a gas self-launch, a turbo (sustainer), or without motor. Minimum wing-loading varies according to motor, but same maximum as Antares 23E. The wingtips are a bit different from Antares, featuring an additional bend upward and a different winglet (design courtesy Dr. Maughmer). Quintus has 6 water tanks per side, as the area Antares uses for batteries is available for water (though Quintus has a fuel bladder in back of the spar at the wingroot). When asked about the polar of Quintus, Biggo has a big smile and says ”it will be adequate”. They’ve decided not to publish polars anymore. Perhaps Lange will publish a polar for the 23E.
Schemp-Hirth Quintus Suspended at Aero2011
At Schleicher’s display, Martin Heide has also a big grin on his face after the first test-flight of his ASH-30. Martin chose to make a lower max wing-loading in order to get a lower minimum wing-loading for the two-seater. This glider has a max wing-loading of just under 50 kg/m2 (about 10.2 lbs/ft2).
Martin Heide with ASH-30
All the new open-class gliders are designed to the 850kg max (certification). To get a high wing-loading, either the span is limited (23-meters for Antares 23E, and Schempp-Hirth Quintus), or an extreme aspect ratio is required (Dick Butler’s Concordia). High wing-loading will be important at the Uvalde 2012 World Championships – Antares 23E and Quintus look like the ultimate Open Class weapons for this contest !
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Thanks, Dave, nice photos!
How will you know speeds to fly if they don't publish polar?
Wow. Great article. What are the prices?
Sean,
Contact the respective dealers in your country for price information.
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