Advanced Soaring Concepts Falcon
The Advanced Soaring Concepts Falcon, also called the Advanced Soaring Concepts American Falcon, is an American mid-wing, T-tailed, single-seat, FAI 15-Metre Class glider that was designed by Tor Jensen and produced by Advanced Soaring Concepts, and first flew in 1993.[1] The aircraft was produced as a kit for amateur construction.[2][3]
| Falcon | |
|---|---|
| Role | Glider |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Advanced Soaring Concepts |
| Designer | Tor Jensen |
| First flight | 1993 |
| Status | Production completed |
| Variants | Advanced Soaring Concepts Spirit |
Design and development
The Falcon was designed by Jensen as the 15-metre class version of the FAI Standard Class Spirit.[2]
The aircraft is made predominantly from fiberglass sandwiches, with the wing spar made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer. The cockpit is made from welded steel tube, reinforced with Aramid. Its 15 m (49.2 ft) span wing has optional extensions that bring the span to 18 m (59.1 ft). Glidepath control is via full span trailing edge flaps, coupled with top surface Schempp-Hirth-style airbrakes. The flaps can be set to +15°, +10°, +5°, 0°, and -5° in flight. The cockpit was designed to accommodate a pilot of up to 76 in (193 cm) in height and weighing up to 260 lb (118 kg) with parachute. The landing gear is a retractable monowheel.[2][3]
Specifications (Falcon)
Data from Sailplane Directory and EAA[2][3]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 49 ft 3 in (15.0 m)
- Empty weight: 580 lb (263 kg)
Performance
- Stall speed: 38 mph (61 km/h, 33 kn) in landing configuration
- Never exceed speed: 167 mph (269 km/h, 145 kn)
- g limits: -3/+6
- Maximum glide ratio: 44:1
References
- "J2mcL Planeurs - Fiche planeur n°". www.j2mcl-planeurs.net. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
- Activate Media (2006). "Falcon Advanced Soaring Concepts". Archived from the original on August 20, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
- Payne, Jim (March 1994). "Limited Flying Qualities Evaluation Of The American Falcon". Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1000. Retrieved September 3, 2011.