Andy wrote:
On Feb 28, 1:27 pm, Bob Whelan wrote:

it'll be too fragile;

I'd say they got that one right. I sat in a Sparrow Hawk and was
disturbed by how lightly constructed the cockpit and canopy frame
were. I understand that the Duck Hawk will use the same fuselage.

It will use the same molds so it will look the same, but the structure
will be considerably different because of the higher gross weight (more
than double), higher Vne (~200 knots instead of 120 knots), retractable
landing gear, and eventually, a very different motor installation.

I'd far rather it felt more substantial, and was made of more crash
tolerant materials, even if it was 30-50 pounds heavier.

I suspect it will (and it will definitely be heavier), but I haven't
discussed this aspect with Greg.

I suppose I'm biased by my familiarity with modern Schleicher
cockpits.

Me too, one reason I bought my ASH 26 E years ago, and continue to fly
it. Advances have been made, however, and pilots seriously interested in
the glider (i.e, purchasing one!) should not base any decisions on RAS
discussions but should ask Greg directly about features that are
important to them.



--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
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