On Monday, August 20, 2012 10:34:29 AM UTC-4, Steve Koerner wrote:
Isn't it interesting that all of that new technology in open
class had so little actual benefit in the final analysis?

Careful, longer wing classes had generally longer
tasks, and longer tasks mean lower speeds.
So, the span benefit is understated in your analysis.

In all classes, higher wing-loadings have really paid
in Uvalde weather. And newer gliders carry higher
wing-loadings MUCH better even in weak weather.

Best Regards, Dave