Laister LP-49

The Laister LP-46 and LP-49 are a family of American high-wing, single-seat, gliders that were designed by Jack Laister and produced by Laister Sailplanes both as kit aircraft and as certified complete aircraft.[1][2][3]

LP-46 and LP-49
Role Glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Laister Sailplanes
Designer Jack Laister
First flight 1966
Status Production completed

Design and development

The original model, the LP-46 was first flown in 1966, with the LP designating Laister Products. The LP-46 features a 44.5 ft (13.6 m) wingspan and the first LP-46 has fixed monowheel landing gear.[1][2]

The LP-49 is an improved version of the LP-46, designed for the Standard Class with a 49.2 ft (15.0 m) wingspan. The LP-49 has a metal wing with a NACA 64(3)-618 laminar flow airfoil and all-metal tail surfaces. The control surfaces are all counter-weighted with internal weights. The fuselage is a semi-monocoque fiberglass design, mounting a shock-strut suspended retractable monowheel landing gear with an automatic swivelling and retractable tailwheel. The ailerons and dive brakes automatically hook up on aircraft assembly. Due to the fuselage construction the aircraft type certificate contains the restriction "All external portions of the fuselage exposed to sunlight must be painted white, except for a minimum amount of light shaded markings."[1][2]

The LP-49 was static-tested to 12 g and is approved for aerobatics including loops, spins and wing-overs. The aircraft is often called The Forty-Niner.[1][2]

Operational history

In March 2011, there were two of the three LP-46s built registered with the Federal Aviation Administration in the US, all certified aircraft. Also in March 2011, there were 24 LP-49s registered. Of the registered LP-49s 17 are certified and seven are amateur-built.[4][5]

Variants
LP-46
Original version with a 44.5 ft (13.6 m) wingspan, first flown in 1966 and certified on 22 October 1971. Vne is 125 mph (201 km/h). Three built.[1][2][3]
LP-49
Improved version for the FAI Standard Class, with a 49.2 ft (15.0 m) wingspan. Certified on 29 August 1968. Vne is 135 mph (217 km/h).[1][2][3]

Aircraft on display

Specifications (LP-49)

Data from Sailplane Directory, Soaring and FAA Type Certificate[1][2][3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 49 ft 3 in (15.0 m)
  • Wing area: 143 sq ft (13.3 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 16.9
  • Airfoil: NACA 64(3)-618
  • Empty weight: 475 lb (215 kg)
  • Gross weight: 700 lb (318 kg)

Performance

  • Never exceed speed: 135 mph (217 km/h, 117 kn) rough and smooth air
  • Maximum glide ratio: 33:1 at 56 mph (90 km/h)
  • Rate of sink: 141 ft/min (0.72 m/s) at 49 mph (79 km/h)
  • Wing loading: 5.25 lb/sq ft (25.6 kg/m2)

See also

References
  1. Activate Media (2006). "LP-46 and LP-49 Laister". Archived from the original on June 25, 2002. Retrieved March 27, 2011.
  2. Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 14. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (December 1975). "TYPE CERTIFICATE DATA SHEET NO. G2WE" (PDF). Retrieved March 27, 2011.
  4. Federal Aviation Administration (March 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved March 27, 2011.
  5. Federal Aviation Administration (March 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved March 27, 2011.
  6. US Southwest Soaring Museum (2010). "Sailplanes, Hang Gliders & Motor Gliders". Retrieved May 26, 2011.
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