Read "Exploring the Monster" by Robert F. Whelan, Wind Canyon Books, Inc.,
ISBN 1-891118-32-3.

On 19th March 1952 Larry Edgar and Harold Klieforth set the world absolute
altitude record to 44,255ft. in a Pratt-Read two-seat glider. This had a
best glide ratio of about 24 at 60 mph, and a min. sink of about 3.45ft/sec.
at 51 mph (figures from the book), it also had poor penetration. They were
flying from Bishop, California.

They had state-of-the-art oxygen equipment and clothing, supplied by the
military because they were taking part in government funded research. In
those days military equipment was designed for unheated and unpressurised
cockpits.

They deliberately left 700 fpm lift when the altimeter read 44,000 ft
because they considered that they had reached the limit of their equipment.

I believe this two-seater record still stands, it was beaten by a single
seater in 1961.

I understand that the Perlan project is using a DG505M, with the engine
removed so that the space and weight allowance for the engine can be used
for high altitude equipment.

W.J. (Bill) Dean (U.K.).
Remove "ic" to reply.


"Jerome Conners" wrote in message
...

What glider will provide the best characteristics for
mountain wave ascents to record heights?

What are those characteristics...air foil design, lofting
characteristics, L/D ratio, oxygen system, etc.

What publications provide the design information for
mountain wave ascents?

Jer
Jerome Conners, PE
Comstock Aeronautics and Engineering
PO Box 509
Virginia City, NV 89440
775-834-8363 (work)
775-834-8364 (FAX)
775-847-0214 (home)