Sleicher ASW 27B

(Beta)

This simulation model is currently in beta testing and may contain certain errors and unfinished features.

The ASW 27 is a 15 metre Class glider built of modern fibre reinforced composites, which first flew in 1995 and was certified in 1997. The manufacturer of the ASW 27 is Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. The 'W' indicates this is a design of the influential and prolific German designer Gerhard Waibel. The ASW 27 has plain flaps, winglets, a retractable undercarriage and a water ballast system. The structure is a complex composite of carbon, aramid and polyethylene fibre reinforced plastic. This permits a light structure with the strength to carry large amounts of water ballast, thus permitting the widest possible range of wing loadings for weak and strong soaring weather. The strong fuselage was tested for crash protection by dropping one from a crane. The winglets were standard equipment from the beginning but were later enlarged in the ASW-27B development. The 'B' also has tanks to hold water ballast rather than bags. The ASW 27 superseded the ASW 20 in the manufacturer's production line. It does not have a version with wing extensions for 18 metres. This was a design decision to pursue an uncompromised 15 metre racer, as "future engine retrofits or later wingspan increases were specifically ruled out".

Technical Data

Geometry
Wing Span 15m/49.21 ft
Wing Area 9 m2 / 96.88 ft2
Aspect Ratio 25
Fuselage length 6.55m / 21.5ft
Fuselage height 1.3m / 4.26ft
Weight
Empty Weight 245kg / 540lb
Maximum Weight 500kg / 1102lb
Waterballast 190l / 50.2 USgal
Min. Wing Loading 32.8 kg/m2 / 6.7lb/ft2
Max. Wing Loading 55.56 kg/m2 / 11.38b/ft2
Gliding Performance
Best L/D 48 at 100kph / 54kts
Min. Sink 0.52m/s / 102fpm
Stall Speed 70km/h / 37.8kt