soaring into the future

I was browsing thru one of the Yahoo glider N.G.'s today and read
where the World Class design may get ressurected. That got me to
thinking:

What would the ideal recreational next generation sailplane sailplane
look like? I imagine it won't look much different from what we are
seeing now in terms of slender body shapes with sexy wingtip
treatments. And with the price of carbon fiber coming down, the
expanding growth of the composites industry and the rising use and
availability of CNC machining, it seems that there might be a niche
market for a good performing, lightweight sailplane that could be
tailored for the recreational market.

Would it make sense to put a 2 stroke motor in it for self launch? Or
maybe look at the ever expanding world of electric motors and
batteries? Right now there is an electric motor that weighs 4.5 pounds
and puts out close to 20HP! I've seen it, in fact I have held it in my
hands..........it is amazing. It seems that 2-strokes could easily
start being banned for noise, pollution and for just not being green
enough. So perhaps electric would be the logical and environmentally
"correct" way to go. The non-flying public I think will start looking
very critically at some point in the future at sports and other
"hobby" uses of fuel and pollution sources: we should be ready for
that if and when it happens, since right or
wrong.............perception is a key driver in formulating public
opinion.

Or maybe forget self-launching and consider winch, auto or bungee
launch. All these methods have and are being used successfully now,
but here in the US the Aero Tow still is the preferred way to get
airborn. However with rising fuel prices I really feel that at some
point a lot of us won't be able to cover the expense of an aero tow.
The infrastructure must be strongly considered for these "alternative"
launch methods, but I believe these are not insurmountable
obstacles.........we need to be ready when the real need arises.

Perhaps a combination of auto tow and a "sustainer" electric motor
might work; where the auto tow gets you airborn and then the electric
motor get's you up to the lift, and then home again if you need it.

Sure, there are a ton of sailplanes out there right now. And the
Russia, Apis, Silent, Sparrowhawk and probably several more would be
suitable for filling this niche. But if there is going to be a push to
create a new "World Class" design, maybe instead of just making it a
shortwinger and that's it, consider the whole package of what it takes
to operate and enjoy flying a sailpane, and how we could generate
excitement in our sport and see the ranks of glider pilots expand.

My personal choice would be a ship that utilizes the right materials
for the right areas; make it strong and light. Design a cockpit like
the Apis; roomy and comfortable. Utilize simple and functional design
methods that leverages on AC-4 and Apis manufacturing techniques. Use
full span flaperons and upper Schempp-Hirth airbrakes. Overlapping
spars that use 2 main wing pins and fore and aft lift pin/tube
treatments. Simple automatic control hookups like DG uses. The list
goes on........

I would write more...................but the Christmas Ham is almost
done and dinner is near.

Merry Christmas!
Brad
199AK