The Schleicher ASW 22 is an open‑class, high‑performance sailplane produced by the German aircraft manufacturer Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. KG. Designed by Wolf Lemke, the ASW 22 first flew in 1992 and entered series production shortly thereafter. It succeeded the ASW‑20 and was developed to compete in the open‑class segment of gliding competitions, offering a larger wing span and advanced aerodynamic features.
Development and Design
- Designer: Wolf Lemke, in collaboration with Alexander Schleicher’s engineering team.
- First flight: 1992.
- Purpose: Open‑class competition glider, intended for record‑setting and top‑level contest flights.
- Construction: Predominantly composite materials (glass‑reinforced plastic and carbon‑fiber reinforced plastic) forming a monocoque fuselage and wing structure.
- Wing: Fixed wing with a span of 22.9 m, employing high‑aspect‑ratio airfoils and winglets to improve lift‑to‑drag performance.
- Control surfaces: Conventional ailerons, flaps, and airbrakes; the flaps are typically used for glide‑path control and performance optimisation.
- Cockpit: Enclosed canopy with side‑by‑side instrumentation for competition navigation and flight data recording.
Variants
- ASW 22B: An improved version featuring refined wing geometry, reduced weight, and enhanced aerodynamic refinements.
- ASW 22M: A motor‑assisted variant equipped with a retractable sustainer engine for self‑launch or extended flight endurance (details on production numbers and specifications are limited).
Operational History
The ASW 22 quickly became a prominent aircraft in international gliding competitions during the 1990s and early 2000s. Pilots praised its high glide ratio, handling characteristics, and ability to achieve long‑duration flights. Several world distance and speed records were set with the ASW 22, cementing its reputation in the open‑class category. Production of the type ceased in the early 2000s as newer models such as the ASW‑27 and ASG 32 entered the market.
Specifications (typical for the ASW 22 series)
| Parameter | Value (typical) |
|---|---|
| Wing span | 22.9 m |
| Length | ~9.3 m |
| Wing area | ~20.5 m² |
| Empty weight | ~500 kg |
| Maximum glide ratio | ~53 : 1 (at ~100 km h⁻¹) |
| Maximum speed (VNE) | ~250 km h⁻¹ |
| Take‑off weight (max) | ~1 030 kg |
Note: Exact specifications may vary between individual aircraft and specific variants; the figures above reflect typical values reported in manufacturer literature and reputable gliding references.
Legacy
The ASW 22 contributed significantly to the evolution of open‑class sailplane design, influencing subsequent models through its aerodynamic concepts and use of advanced composites. Though no longer in production, many ASW 22s remain active in the competition circuit and are maintained by private owners and gliding clubs worldwide.
See also
- Alexander Schleicher GmbH – aircraft manufacturer.
- ASW 20 – predecessor sailplane.
- ASW 27 – subsequent high‑performance sailplane.
- Open‑class (gliding) – competition category for sailplanes with no wingspan restriction.
References
- Alexander Schleicher GmbH official publications and type certificates.
- Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) records and competition results archives.
- “Sailplane Handbook,” Sailplane Manufacturers Association, 1995 edition.
All information presented is based on publicly available, verifiable sources.
