Schleicher AS 33

The Schleicher AS 33 is a German glider manufactured by Alexander Schleicher.[1] The prototype had its maiden flight from Huhnrain Airport, Poppenhausen near Frankfurt on 23 January 2020.[2][3][4] The design can be flown in the 18 metre class or in the 15 metre class.[2]

AS 33
Role 15 metre-class and 18 metre-class
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Schleicher
First flight 23 January 2020

Design and development

The AS 33 is based upon the ASG 29, with a totally new wing with an 18 m (59 ft) span and 10 m2 (110 sq ft) area, which optimizes the airflow around the fuselage/wing transition as well as at the wingtips. The AS 33 is a single-seat, mid-wing sailplane of composite construction, with a T-tail.[2] To fly in the FAI 15m class, a second pair of outer wings is available. The separation point for the outer wings is at 5.1m along the span.[5]

The glider has upward extending three-tier air-brakes and independently switchable electrical valves for the water ballast tanks in the inner and outer wings. The main wheel has a disc brake. The main wheel and the tail-wheel are retractable.[5]

Schleicher no longer includes the designer's initial in the glider's designation.[6]

Variants
  • AS 33: Pure sailplane, without any engine.[2]
  • AS 33Es: with SOLO 2350 engine with an electric starter[2]
  • AS33Me: Electric self-launcher[7]

Specifications (with 18m wings)

Data from Manufacturer[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 18.00 m (59 ft 0 in)
  • Wing area: 10 m2 (107.6 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 32.4
  • Empty weight: 300 kg (661 lb)
  • Gross weight: 600 kg (1,322 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Solo 2350 air-cooled, two-cylinder, two-stroke (E version), 22 kW (30 hp)

Similar aircraft

References
  1. "fleigernews". Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  2. "Alexander Schleicher web-site". Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  3. "Aerospace Testing International". Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  4. "Aerokurier". Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  5. Alexander Schleicher brochure 2020
  6. "Soaring NZ". Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  7. "Schleicher web-site". Retrieved 15 December 2020.
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