On Aug 3, 2:02*pm, Gary Osoba wrote:
Here is another observation, and I'll try to make it as objectively as
I know how. *Bob Carrolton did the original flight testing of this
configuration in Arkansas then brought the prototype to Moriarity. I
observed his first flight with it in New Mexico, and many subsequent
flights- all at density altitudes in the 10,000'- 12,000' range. To
give perspective, the two place glider I was flying on those occasions
would often only average a few hundred feet a minute in climb behind a
Pawnee. On a couple of flights, we spent many minutes on tow under
400' and near the airport.

On every occasion, the turbine powered prototype climbed robustly and
very impressively. Much faster than any motorglider I have even seen.
I do not think that the published climb rate of 900 fpm is an
exaggeration, but this is only from my personal observation. It would
be reasonable to assume that as Bob and Mark Mocho continue to refine
and optimize the system, performance will improve. The implementation
is elegant, simple (read that fewer problems or failures), and
efficient for a turbine. *The turbine which is utilized has a very
long history, a continuous production run, and a solid service
history.

If the Test (design) glider- which is very affordable- doesn't float
your boat for whatever reason, Bob can custom engineer a turbine
implementation on something that likely would.

I don't have any connection to this group, and only owned a
motorglider for a short period of time back in the 1980's. However, I
would love to have one of these turbines on something with high
performance. And I think that Bob's group is doing important
pioneering work in this field.

Best Regards,

Gary Osoba

It's been about 5 years now, but the last TST built glider I saw was
rather crude in many ways: The wing spar was wood, no automatic
hookups and there were other fit and finish issues that made me
somewhat adverse to owning a glider built by these folks.
Now.............don't get me wrong, if the reason they are
"affordable" is because of these issues than they are moot, but if the
reason is labor costs and a desire to offer an "affordable" glider is
part of the company philosophy then more power to them. I have not
seen the jet powered 2 seater, I hope to someday................I also
hope that the company has refined their manufacturing process to put
out a higher quality product.

I thought the concept of the TST-10 Atlas was pretty cool. A jet
powered 2 seater even cooler................and I do have an empty
engine bay in my Apis-13!

Brad