The Glasflügel H-201 Standard is a [[Standard Class]] glider designed and manufactured by [[Glasflügel Flugzeugbau GmbH]] in Germany. It represents a significant model in Glasflügel's history, being the company's first glider specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Standard Class, which mandated a 15-meter wingspan and fixed wing profiles (no flaps).
Design and Development
Conceived by [[Eugen Hänle]], the H-201 Standard was developed in the early 1960s, with its prototype first taking flight in 1964. The glider built upon Glasflügel's pioneering work in [[fiberglass-reinforced plastic]] (GFRP) construction, applying this advanced technology to the Standard Class rules. The H-201 was characterized by its smooth, all-fiberglass monocoque fuselage, a straight-tapered wing utilizing a Wortmann airfoil profile, and the distinctive T-tail configuration that would become a hallmark of Glasflügel's designs.Key design features of the H-201 Standard included:
- Construction: Full all-fiberglass construction, offering a lightweight, strong, and aerodynamically clean structure.
- Wings: A 15-meter wingspan, adhering strictly to Standard Class regulations, without the use of wing flaps.
- Cockpit: A comfortable single-seat cockpit, typically accessed via a side-hinged canopy.
- Landing Gear: A manually retractable single main wheel, designed to minimize drag during flight.
- Airbrakes: Highly effective [[Schempp-Hirth]] type airbrakes, mounted on the upper wing surface, providing precise glide path control.
The H-201 offered competitive performance for its era, boasting a respectable glide ratio and a low minimum sink rate, which allowed it to perform well in gliding competitions. Production of the H-201 Standard ran from 1964 to 1967, with approximately 55 to 60 units being built before it was succeeded by later, more refined Glasflügel models like the Glasflügel H-301B Libelle and Club Libelle.
Specifications (H-201 Standard)
- Crew: 1
- Length: 7.00 m (23 ft 0 in)
- Wingspan: 15.00 m (49 ft 3 in)
- Wing Area: 10.0 m² (108 sq ft)
- Aspect Ratio: 22.5
- Empty Weight: 180 kg (397 lb)
- Max Take-off Weight: 300 kg (661 lb)
- Wing Loading: 30 kg/m² (6.1 lb/sq ft)
- Glide Ratio: ~36:1 at 95 km/h (59 mph)
- Minimum Sink Rate: ~0.6 m/s (118 ft/min) at 70 km/h (43 mph)
- Max Speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)