Thread: GOAT ASW20
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Old January 1st 21, 06:57 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
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Default GOAT ASW20

On Friday, January 1, 2021 at 7:11:59 AM UTC-8, Dan Marotta wrote:
On 1/1/21 7:14 AM, Eric Greenwell wrote:
wrote on 1/1/2021 4:49 AM:
Modern sailplanes have evolved through the years and many older have
lasted the test of time. During the 1970's Schelicher produced what I
call the, "Greatest Of All Time", the ASW20. Production began around
1977 and immediately sailplane pilots were joining the ranks of owning
the sleek beautiful glider. The early models, incorporated a wonderful
flap system that allowed the pilot to land in places that were usually
out of reach for other sailplanes. Dragging that 20 in with those full
landing flaps was truly impressive. Some had problems with the flaps,
yes they were to be respected and if used improperly could and did
result in deadly accidents.
There were over 900 ASW20's built including wing extension models know
as the L. The early models were fantastic to fly, offering a floppy
wing as we called it, which was impressive to watch during pull up
from most any speed.. Later models were changed to a lesser flap
configuration and much stiffer wings.
In comparison, the other most competitive 15 meter ship was the LS3,
which was released in 1976, total production numbers were 429. This
was a great flying glider but lacked the success of the ASW20.
By comparison The ASW27 was released in 1997 with 237 produced units
and the LS6 came along in 1983 with 375 produced units.
Having owned or flown all the mentioned gliders I would say that the
ASW20 was the Greatest Of All Time and even today has survived the
test of time, very gracefully I might add.
How would you rate the GOAT? Bob

I owned an ASW20C for 11 years. It had the same floppy wings as the
original ASW20 (it was the B models that had the stiffer wings and could
carry more ballast) but with blowhole turbulators, and 40 deg flaps
instead of the original 60 deg flaps. The flaps were still very
powerful, and the Cleveland disc brake on the B and C models was a
spectacular improvement over the original drum brake, making it a
worthwhile tradeoff for the smaller landing flap deflection.

I liked it so much, I ordered an ASH26E self-launcher before it had
flown, just based on how good the ASW20C was.

I only flew a -20 one time. Swapped with 5Z. I liked my LS-6a better,
he liked his -20 better. Go figure...

--
Dan
5J


I own an early ASW20. I absolutely love it! But am considering upgrading for competition. Possibly an ASW27 or other Scleicher model.