The ASK 16 was designed by Rudolf Kaiser for production by Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co of Furth, Germany. The aircraft is of welded tube, wood and fabric construction and has a low-set high-aspect-ratio wing.

Schleicher ASK 16
Schleicher ASK 16 at Speyer-Edry airfield, Germany, in June 2007
Role Touring motor glider
National origin Germany
Manufacturer Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co
Designer Rudolf Kaiser
First flight 2 February 1971
Introduction 1972
Status in service
Primary user club and private flyers
Number built 44

Seating is side-by-side for two persons under a fully transparent side-hinged canopy. The standard powerplant is a 72 hp (54 kW) Limbach L1700 driving a Hoffman variable-pitch propeller.[1]

The ASK 16 has a retractable tail-wheel undercarriage with the main units mounted under the wings and retracting inwards. It is fitted with dual controls to permit use in the primary training role.[1]

Production and operation

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The prototype first flew on 2 February 1971 and a total of 44 aircraft were built for operation by clubs and private owners.[1] Most of the completed aircraft remained in active service in 2005, including examples flying in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Specifications

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Schleicher ASK 16 showing arrangement of underwing retractable undercarriage and side-hinged canopy

Data from Airlife's World Aircraft,[1] Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1971-72[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: 290 kg (640 lb)
  • Length: 7.32 m (24 ft 0 in)
  • Wingspan: 16 m (52 ft 6 in)
  • Height: 2.1 m (6 ft 11 in)
  • Wing area: 19 m2 (200 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 13.5
  • Empty weight: 460 kg (1,014 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 750 kg (1,653 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Limbach SL.1700.EBI 4-cylinder air-cooled horizontally-opposed piston engine, 54 kW (72 hp)
  • Propellers: 2-bladed Hoffman variable-pitch propeller

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 170 km/h (110 mph, 92 kn)
  • Stall speed: 70 km/h (43 mph, 38 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 200 km/h (120 mph, 110 kn)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 25:1 power off
  • Rate of climb: 2.5 m/s (490 ft/min) powered
  • Rate of sink: 1 m/s (200 ft/min)
  • Wing loading: 36.8 kg/m2 (7.5 lb/sq ft)
  • Take-off run: 230 m (750 ft)
  • Landing run: 200 m (660 ft)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Simpson, Rod (2001). Airlife's World Aircraft. Airlife Publishing Ltd. pp. 487–488. ISBN 1-84037-115-3.
  2. ^ Taylor, J.W.R., ed. (1971). Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1971-72. London: Sampson Low. p. 504. ISBN 0-354-00094-2.