Brad wrote:
This sort of follows up on the future of soaring thread, but is more
focused on the sailplane design aspect.

Ok.....here is the scenario: the powers that be have decided that once
again the soaring community needs a sailplane that represents Joe
Sailplane Pilot. Joe sailplane pilot wants a sailplane that will get
him where he wants to go, but on a budget. Joe's a smart
guy..............he knows a thing or two about sailplanes; having
spent
considerable time poking and prodding their various bits and pieces.
He
decides he wants a composite ship, now he
want's......................what????

Here is where you fill in the blanks.............if for no other
reason
than to whack away at the keyboard.....or not!

Cheers,
Brad


Start with perhaps an obvious observation.

If the end result doesn't look kinda like something that's already
popular (Discus, LS-4, ASWG-XX, etc.) then it's not likely to be as
popular as one would hope. Consider Genesis and PW-5. They are good
gliders, but the odd shape sways people away from them.


With that said...

Gotta have retractable gear.

I'd suggest 40/1 is a minimum target, mid 30's is not going to sway
people away from the number of ships that already exceed that.

Be able to accomodate most pilots. Pilot comfort w/ chute is a must.

Easy rigging and automatic hookups

No flaps

Have room in the fuse for future model expansion to include a sustainer
at least and a small fixed tank for gas.

No gel coat would be a huge plus, particularly for the harsher climates.

Standard control system layout (no parallelogram stick)

Nose and CG release options

No nasty handling characteristics.

Sprung gear and a good brake

Tilt up panel (at least as an option)

Room for 2+ batteries.

Plenty of ventilation