Dave Nadler wrote, On 10/24/2013 2:52 PM:
On Thursday, October 24, 2013 10:13:10 AM UTC-4, Papa3 wrote:
I'm sure the "conventional wisdom" gives the nod to Schleicher.

Say what ? The modern Schleicher cockpits are huge
improvements over earlier designs, however:
- no crush zone in front of your feet to absorb energy and
decelerate the glider before your feet do
- a giant hole is cut in the side beam for air ventilation
output, reducing the buckling strength needed here

The air vent is not in structural ducting. All the buckling strength
needed is in the cockpit rails, which are clearly seen when the canopy
is open. They are straight to improve buckling resistance, and very
strong. Take a look at ASW-24, 26, and all later ones. I don't know
about the ASH-25, as I haven't looked at one closely enough.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to
email me)