Any news/update on GP Gliders?

[Stephen Michalik[_2_]]

Not heard much lately about this new glider development or certification. Anyone have one delivered?
Interested pilots want to know :)

[Renny[_2_]]

On Friday, October 7, 2016 at 3:20:51 PM UTC-6, Stephen Michalik wrote:
> Not heard much lately about this new glider development or certification. Anyone have one delivered?
> Interested pilots want to know :)

Stephen,
Well, as far as I know there is very little news.....That being said, if you want the latest info, you may want to contact the US dealer, Tim McAllister directly. Unfortunately, there has been no news on his website since March 24, so it seems there is not much to report. There is also little breaking news on the GP Gliders Facebook page. Tim's website is below and hopefully, there will be some positive news soon...(I do hope!)

http://www.gpglidersusa.com/

[Stephen Michalik[_2_]]

Hi Renny,
Thanks. I watch those links too. And was wondering if there was other activity that just wasn't posted. Something I'm watching during the coming months.

[[email protected]]

On Friday, October 7, 2016 at 5:49:44 PM UTC-7, Stephen Michalik wrote:
> Hi Renny,
> Thanks. I watch those links too. And was wondering if there was other activity that just wasn't posted. Something I'm watching during the coming months.

There is some info about the GP 15 -- including 3-view drawings and prices -- at the links at the bottom of http://www.gpgliders.com/jeta-line.

[marco]

On Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 5:07:57 AM UTC+2, wrote:
> On Friday, October 7, 2016 at 5:49:44 PM UTC-7, Stephen Michalik wrote:
> > Hi Renny,
> > Thanks. I watch those links too. And was wondering if there was other activity that just wasn't posted. Something I'm watching during the coming months.
>
> There is some info about the GP 15 -- including 3-view drawings and prices -- at the links at the bottom of http://www.gpgliders.com/jeta-line.

You may wish to follow their progress on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gpgliders/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
They almost were able to compete last year in the Worlds 13.5 class but now, one year after the event, I have not seen reports of a glider flying. Still their specs and test results with the spar are very interesting.

[Dan Marotta]

Is there any way to view the facebook page without having an account (I
refuse) and without having a large portion of the screen demanding that
I login or sign up? There's no option to do neither that I can see.

On 10/9/2016 7:00 AM, Marco wrote:
> On Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 5:07:57 AM UTC+2, wrote:
>> On Friday, October 7, 2016 at 5:49:44 PM UTC-7, Stephen Michalik wrote:
>>> Hi Renny,
>>> Thanks. I watch those links too. And was wondering if there was other activity that just wasn't posted. Something I'm watching during the coming months.
>> There is some info about the GP 15 -- including 3-view drawings and prices -- at the links at the bottom of http://www.gpgliders.com/jeta-line.
> You may wish to follow their progress on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gpgliders/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
> They almost were able to compete last year in the Worlds 13.5 class but now, one year after the event, I have not seen reports of a glider flying. Still their specs and test results with the spar are very interesting.

--
Dan, 5J

[[email protected]]

On Facebook I have little knowledge. Just a dummy account to keep track of some sites.

I just read the FAI rulebook for Benalla. The 13.5 mtr class is having a wingload limit of 35 kg/m2. GPGlider is designing them for 32-60 kg/m2. Looks like the design might not be optimised for the current rules or the rules are changed by the FAI.

[[email protected]]

Is there a 13.5m class at Benalla? I was under the impression it was Open/15m/18m.

Nick.

[Tony[_5_]]

13.5 m WGC in 2017 is in Hungary.

[Sean[_2_]]

Here is what I have heard...

The GP14 has evolved significantly in several key design areas since the initial design was completed. This required a cascading array of part and system design changes. And that process has understandably taken som extra time.

For example motor technology advancements allowed them to increase the motor size from 15-25kw (a whopping 66% increase in power!) with nearly the same form factor and minimal weight increase. This obviously should significantly improve expected performance, efficiency and especially high altitude launch performance. But maximizing the performance and efficiency of the newer more powerful motor demanded larger propellers and the entire motor retraction system (pillar, actuation, controllers, propellers, batteries and wing battery compartments, etc.) needed to be modified, enlarged and strengthened.

Other significant improvements have been made although I'm not certain what they are exactly.

All this change has (understandably IMO) pushed back early orders 6-12 months from initial delivery estimates. Unfortunate for anxiously waiting buyers but not without increased value or justification. This is not simply a case of being behind or "late." They are making significant and intelligent improvements and trying to do this right. I understand that the first gliders will be in the USA next spring and they we're initially expected this fall.

Not to be a complete GP14 cheerleader (I do have some skepticism), however, I do think a 45:1, extremely high performance electric self launch glider (HUGE at this price point) has the potential to be a true game changer. 45:1+ is more than enough performance for me personally. IF the 13.5m class was to catch on, the idea of paying double for 15/18m for an extra 5 to (perhaps) 7 LD points (at low speeds) is fairly difficult to justify.

[krasw]

On Monday, 10 October 2016 00:09:13 UTC+3, wrote:
> On Facebook I have little knowledge. Just a dummy account to keep track of some sites.
>
> I just read the FAI rulebook for Benalla. The 13.5 mtr class is having a wingload limit of 35 kg/m2. GPGlider is designing them for 32-60 kg/m2. Looks like the design might not be optimised for the current rules or the rules are changed by the FAI.

13.5m class 35kg/m2 wingloading has to be most stupid rule IGC has ever written (I know, there are serious contenders to this award). We have fantastic aerodynamic knowledge which allows us to fly modern gliders fast and comfortably with 50+ kg/m2 wingloading. 35 kg/m2 rule makes this class expensive club class, taking all the fun out of flying fast, plus it effectively bans all designs with engine, sans Silent (which has club class performance because of too big wing).

[marco]

On Monday, October 10, 2016 at 11:15:10 AM UTC+2, krasw wrote:
> On Monday, 10 October 2016 00:09:13 UTC+3, wrote:
> > On Facebook I have little knowledge. Just a dummy account to keep track of some sites.
> >
> > I just read the FAI rulebook for Benalla. The 13.5 mtr class is having a wingload limit of 35 kg/m2. GPGlider is designing them for 32-60 kg/m2. Looks like the design might not be optimised for the current rules or the rules are changed by the FAI.
>
> 13.5m class 35kg/m2 wingloading has to be most stupid rule IGC has ever written (I know, there are serious contenders to this award). We have fantastic aerodynamic knowledge which allows us to fly modern gliders fast and comfortably with 50+ kg/m2 wingloading. 35 kg/m2 rule makes this class expensive club class, taking all the fun out of flying fast, plus it effectively bans all designs with engine, sans Silent (which has club class performance because of too big wing).

As a reference I like to add the link to the FAI rule book which were published on Oct 4, 2016 and which will be in effect in Benalla. http://www.fai.org/downloads/igc/SC3A_2016a
Page 18 highlights the limit to wingloading for the 13.5 mtr class. Or is anticipated that the rules will be revised before the summer of 2017? If not I understand the push in developing a 15mtr version. The package GPGlider is developing seems very attractive on paper (light groundhandling, good performance and a wide envelope of uses (also for 13.5 mtr) but with this restriction in place the 13.5 mtr is a lot less appealing.

[krasw]

The 13.5m class wingloading was certainly NOT discussed during last IGC Plenary, while a lot of other stuff concerning that class was. I'm not sure if wingloading change would have to go trough several year procedure as with Sporting Code. On the other hand, 20m class max weight was changed basically overnight.

[JS]

On Monday, October 10, 2016 at 3:48:46 AM UTC-7, krasw wrote:
> The 13.5m class wingloading was certainly NOT discussed during last IGC Plenary, while a lot of other stuff concerning that class was. I'm not sure if wingloading change would have to go trough several year procedure as with Sporting Code. On the other hand, 20m class max weight was changed basically overnight.

Hoping to see progress on the GP15, looks great on paper.
I always thought a Ventus 2Cx/13.5 or ASG29/13.5 would be the right glider for the 13.5m occasion.
The wing loading handicap to me appears to condemn the class. Should have stayed with the PW5 in that case. (gulp)
Jim

[[email protected]]

On Monday, October 10, 2016 at 9:18:03 PM UTC+2, JS wrote:
> On Monday, October 10, 2016 at 3:48:46 AM UTC-7, krasw wrote:
> > The 13.5m class wingloading was certainly NOT discussed during last IGC Plenary, while a lot of other stuff concerning that class was. I'm not sure if wingloading change would have to go trough several year procedure as with Sporting Code. On the other hand, 20m class max weight was changed basically overnight.
>
> Hoping to see progress on the GP15, looks great on paper.
> I always thought a Ventus 2Cx/13.5 or ASG29/13.5 would be the right glider for the 13.5m occasion.
> The wing loading handicap to me appears to condemn the class. Should have stayed with the PW5 in that case. (gulp)
> Jim
The Italians pushed the rule change to favor theirs glider. It has 13.5m wing and engine, all below 35 kg/m2. this eliminates 13.5 Diana, Mini Lak and GP 14.
Mark

[Muttley]

I believe the wingloading is still a leftover from the previous World Class..

As far as I can see IGC did not discuss Wingloadings for the 13,5m Class in the IGC 2016 Meeting see http://www.fai.org/igc-documents (Meetings, Minutes 12th May Section 8.2.3 and 8.24) Year one proposal is to have all 13,5m with SelfLaunch capability and at the suggested Wingloading they would be all in the UL category. I guess there will be further discussions about this.

[krasw]

maanantai 10. lokakuuta 2016 7.02.45 UTC+3 Sean kirjoitti:>
> Not to be a complete GP14 cheerleader (I do have some skepticism), however, I do think a 45:1, extremely high performance electric self launch glider (HUGE at this price point) has the potential to be a true game changer. 45:1+ is more than enough performance for me personally. IF the 13.5m class was to catch on, the idea of paying double for 15/18m for an extra 5 to (perhaps) 7 LD points (at low speeds) is fairly difficult to justify.

I talked to one 13.5m class pilot (flew a brand new, advertised 45:1 ship) and asked about performance, he told me that performance is a bit less than modern std. class ship in slow speeds and little bit better with high speeds (comparable wingloading). These comments were made based on test flights.. 45:1 is fantasy, sorry.

[Dave Nadler]

On Monday, October 10, 2016 at 5:15:10 AM UTC-4, krasw wrote:
> 13.5m class 35kg/m2 wingloading has to be most stupid rule IGC
> has ever written (I know, there are serious contenders to this award).

Everything will be much improved with the upcoming 11m class.

[bumper[_4_]]

On Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 12:35:27 PM UTC-7, Dave Nadler wrote:
> On Monday, October 10, 2016 at 5:15:10 AM UTC-4, krasw wrote:
> > 13.5m class 35kg/m2 wingloading has to be most stupid rule IGC
> > has ever written (I know, there are serious contenders to this award).
>
> Everything will be much improved with the upcoming 11m class.

Does anyone have any info on the new Penguin class ships? Redline is supposed to be approaching 300 knots, L/D better than 10:1 Should move the bar way up for Sierra mountain wave speed records. Comes standard with a solid fuel rocket sustainer - very important to be pointed towards home when doing a low save.

bumper
Minden
MKIV & QV

[WAVEGURU]

Bumper, are you going to have to redesign your yaw strings to be able to handle the higher speeds?

Boggs

[pjschae]

Was this test flight of a Mini-Lak?

[Per Carlin]

On Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 6:34:19 PM UTC+2, pjschae wrote:
> Was this test flight of a Mini-Lak?

Mini Lak is flyging!
Prototype was flying in the 13,5m WGC 2015 and performed well.
Mini Lak FES was airborne during Club, Std and 20M WGC 2016. They more or less flew every day the weather allowed, take off by the FES.
When I visited the LAK factory was there several mini LAKs in progress, according to the factory manager was there 7 gliders in the orderbook, all with FES. The one that flew during WGC will go to Norway, or has already been delivered.

From my perspective is LAK way ahead of GP gliders. They have and flown the glider, they have gliders in progress of manufacturing . They have the capability to deliver gliders this year. I don’t know about the certification, the glider that flew had an experimental marking, I guess that the first 10 will fly on special “permit to Fly”. LAK has certified the LAK 17 and 19, I guess that Mini Lak will be certified on the same preferences as LAK-17.

[[email protected]]

On Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 8:38:29 AM UTC+1, Per Carlin wrote:
> On Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 6:34:19 PM UTC+2, pjschae wrote:
> > Was this test flight of a Mini-Lak?
>
> Mini Lak is flyging!
> Prototype was flying in the 13,5m WGC 2015 and performed well.
> Mini Lak FES was airborne during Club, Std and 20M WGC 2016. They more or less flew every day the weather allowed, take off by the FES.
> When I visited the LAK factory was there several mini LAKs in progress, according to the factory manager was there 7 gliders in the orderbook, all with FES. The one that flew during WGC will go to Norway, or has already been delivered.
>
> From my perspective is LAK way ahead of GP gliders. They have and flown the glider, they have gliders in progress of manufacturing . They have the capability to deliver gliders this year. I don’t know about the certification, the glider that flew had an experimental marking, I guess that the first 10 will fly on special “permit to Fly”. LAK has certified the LAK 17 and 19, I guess that Mini Lak will be certified on the same preferences as LAK-17.

But the GP glider designs (13.5 + 15m versions) look a whole lot more interesting to me - both as glider designs and also the electric self-launching reverse pylon concept. I'd wait and see how their build quality, certification and performance work out before buying any other glider similar glider.

[Tim[_11_]]

On Friday, October 7, 2016 at 4:20:51 PM UTC-5, Stephen Michalik wrote:
> Not heard much lately about this new glider development or certification. Anyone have one delivered?
> Interested pilots want to know :)

Good Afternoon/Evening GP Glider Followers(and Onlookers):

Please look at the following link for my latest blogpost including new details and pictures from the factory. http://www.gpglidersusa.com/blog/2016/10/gp-gliders-what-is-happening

Work is progressing at a slow but steady pace. The latest hold-up as reported to me just a few days ago is they are waiting on the correct battery connectors for the propulsion system. With an innovation project like this, it always seems to be something. However, company cash-flow is good and the company remains committed 100+% to the project's cxompletion AND commercial success. When the GP 14 flies, we are confident that it WILL bring the latest aerodynamics and performance to the 13.5 meter space. There is nothing "legacy" about this project!

Tim McAllister "EY"
GP Gliders USA

[Casey[_2_]]

On Friday, October 14, 2016 at 1:59:37 PM UTC-4, Tim wrote:
> On Friday, October 7, 2016 at 4:20:51 PM UTC-5, Stephen Michalik wrote:
> > Not heard much lately about this new glider development or certification. Anyone have one delivered?
> > Interested pilots want to know :)
>
> Good Afternoon/Evening GP Glider Followers(and Onlookers):
>
> Please look at the following link for my latest blogpost including new details and pictures from the factory. http://www.gpglidersusa.com/blog/2016/10/gp-gliders-what-is-happening
>
> Work is progressing at a slow but steady pace. The latest hold-up as reported to me just a few days ago is they are waiting on the correct battery connectors for the propulsion system. With an innovation project like this, it always seems to be something. However, company cash-flow is good and the company remains committed 100+% to the project's cxompletion AND commercial success. When the GP 14 flies, we are confident that it WILL bring the latest aerodynamics and performance to the 13.5 meter space. There is nothing "legacy" about this project!
>
> Tim McAllister "EY"
> GP Gliders USA

Hey Tim,

Who is the maker of the electric motor? Iv'e seen this somewhere before.

Casey

[David Kinsell[_2_]]

At the bottom of the banner, there's a Not Now button that makes the
banner go away. Not much new there, just some announcements of new
dealers.


On Sun, 09 Oct 2016 09:27:00 -0600, Dan Marotta wrote:

> Is there any way to view the facebook page without having an account (I
> refuse) and without having a large portion of the screen demanding that
> I login or sign up? There's no option to do neither that I can see.
>
> On 10/9/2016 7:00 AM, Marco wrote:
>> On Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 5:07:57 AM UTC+2,
>> wrote:
>>> On Friday, October 7, 2016 at 5:49:44 PM UTC-7, Stephen Michalik
>>> wrote:
>>>> Hi Renny,
>>>> Thanks. I watch those links too. And was wondering if there was other
>>>> activity that just wasn't posted. Something I'm watching during the
>>>> coming months.
>>> There is some info about the GP 15 -- including 3-view drawings and
>>> prices -- at the links at the bottom of
>>> http://www.gpgliders.com/jeta-line.
>> You may wish to follow their progress on facebook:
>> https://www.facebook.com/gpgliders/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf They almost
>> were able to compete last year in the Worlds 13.5 class but now, one
>> year after the event, I have not seen reports of a glider flying. Still
>> their specs and test results with the spar are very interesting.