>From Rob Hart -----Original Message----- If a reasonable performance single seat glider, backed by a worldwide comp system, was available at a good price, then I think the idea would work. The design should also include a one man rig trailer and (if possible) provision for self launching (as I too think that this will dominate the future of gliding).
Reasonable performance is of course in the eye of the beholder. My thoughts are 40:1 or better max L/D, but with a modern aerofoil giving a good performance at 80 kts. --------------------------- There are a number of problems with Rob's suggestion: Any _new_ std class glider design costs about the same amount to produce from scratch regardless of performance. Manufacturers try to get the most bang for buck by really working the last few percent of performance from their designs. By 'downgrading' the performance of a new design, you will not get a cheaper aircraft. This was demonstrated by the H205 Club Libelle and similar aircraft. Self launchers, whilst presenting many advantages, only serve to keep the acquisition cost up. Compare the cost of a new ASK-21 to the ASK-21 Mi and similar self launching types to non-self launching types. The solution to this is to take an existing design (proven and popular) eg H201 Std Libelle and make that the aircraft for a single design comp across the world. With the original design effectively paid for, all you need to cover are the production costs and a small % profit to the manufacturers. With a licencing agreement, several manufacturers can feed demand and help keep the cost down (supply vs demand here). As a personal aside, I am keen to arrange an 'Ozzie Libelle' regatta at some stage in the next few years for all Libelles - Club, Std and Open including perpetual individual trophies and perhaps prize money for the winners in the three types. Anthony _______________________________________________ Aus-soaring mailing list Aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net To check or change subscription details, visit: http://lists.internode.on.net/mailman/listinfo/aus-soaring
