The Schleicher ASG 29 is a high‑performance, single‑seat sailplane produced by the German glider manufacturer Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. KG. It belongs to the 15‑metre class and features a retractable undercarriage, wing flaps, and composite construction.
Development
The ASG 29 was announced in 2005 as a development of the earlier ASW 27, incorporating a larger wing area and flaps to improve climb performance while retaining a 15‑metre wingspan. Production began in the mid‑2000s, and the type was marketed to both competition pilots and advanced club members.
Design
- Wing: 15 m (49 ft 2 in) span with carbon‑fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) construction, equipped with electrically actuated flaps and optional winglets.
- Fuselage: Full‑CFRP monocoque structure with a streamlined nose and a side‑by‑side control stick.
- Landing gear: Retractable single‑wheel arrangement with a nose‑wheel oleo strut.
- Avionics: Standard cockpit instrumentation includes a variometer, GPS navigation system, and flight data recorder; optional FLARM traffic awareness system can be installed.
- Performance: The sailplane achieves a maximum glide ratio in the mid‑40s (approximately 44 : 1) and a minimum sink rate around 0.55 m s⁻¹, typical of contemporary 15‑metre class gliders.
Operational history
Since its introduction, the ASG 29 has been used in national and international competitions, often appearing in the 15‑metre class rankings. It is also employed by gliding clubs for advanced training due to its responsive handling and modern flight‑control systems. Production numbers are modest compared with entry‑level trainers, reflecting its positioning as a premium competition sailplane.
Variants
- ASG 29 E – Equipped with a self‑launch engine (typically a small two‑stroke or electric motor) for independent take‑off capability.
- ASG 29 M – Modified version with optional water ballast capacity up to 170 kg for performance optimization in strong‑lift conditions.
Specifications (typical)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 15 m (49 ft 2 in) |
| Wing area | ~10 m² |
| Empty weight | ~260 kg |
| Maximum glide ratio | ~44 : 1 |
| Minimum sink rate | ~0.55 m s⁻¹ |
| Maximum take‑off weight | ~560 kg (including ballast) |
References
- Alexander Schleicher official product literature (2005–2015).
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification Data Sheets for the ASG 29.
- International Gliding Commission (IGC) competition records, 2006‑2020.
The information presented reflects publicly available data from manufacturer specifications and recognized aviation sources.
