Is the ASW-27B still being made?

On Saturday, May 11, 2013 10:23:05 AM UTC-5, Rick Lake wrote:
I've seen conflicting reports, some of which say it's been replaced in production by the ASG-29.



Thanks

My understanding from John Murray (US agent) and the AS website is, yes, i.e. if you want a 27 they will build it for you. The 27 is close to 100 lbs lighter than the 29 in 15 meter mode, but does not have quite as high a top wingloading (11.5 not 12.5). Otherwise, I gather a current production 27 and a 29 - 15 are nearly identical aerodynamically. They are rare because almost nobody is ordering them -- or ASW28 / D2 either. Despite all the complaining about how expensive gliders are, faced with the decision, almost all orders are for 18 m gliders, some with dual 15 m wingtips, and most with engines too!

John Cochrane

On Sunday, May 12, 2013 6:53:08 AM UTC-6, wrote:
On Saturday, May 11, 2013 10:23:05 AM UTC-5, Rick Lake wrote:

I've seen conflicting reports, some of which say it's been replaced in production by the ASG-29.







Thanks



My understanding from John Murray (US agent) and the AS website is, yes, i.e. if you want a 27 they will build it for you. The 27 is close to 100 lbs lighter than the 29 in 15 meter mode, but does not have quite as high a top wingloading (11.5 not 12.5). Otherwise, I gather a current production 27 and a 29 - 15 are nearly identical aerodynamically. They are rare because almost nobody is ordering them -- or ASW28 / D2 either. Despite all the complaining about how expensive gliders are, faced with the decision, almost all orders are for 18 m gliders, some with dual 15 m wingtips, and most with engines too!



John Cochrane

Well, since I have owned a ASW 27b(540 lbs empty and now own a ASG 29(585 lbs empty), their is only a 45 pound difference between them in 15 meter configuration with basic instruments. But in 15 Meter, the 29 has a 99 sq ft wing V 96 sg ft wing for the 27. Also the 29 has the exact same fuselage mold as the 27 except the rudder is slightly larger. The wing of the 29 is made as a 18 meter wing and then cut. The 15 M tips have their own mold. I was in the AS factory and watched the 15 M tip molds being unwrapped as they had just finished them. Yes, the 29 enjoys the highest wing loading of both models, its max wing loading is 12.2 lbs (not 12.5 lbs). But with a larger area to carry it @ 99 sg ft. it still climbs very well.
The 29's wing is very stiff in 15 Meter where the 27 wing flexes a lot more.. but in 18 Meter the flex is great. KS and I have done comparison glides with his 27 v my 29. To keep it simply, in Uvalde conditions, he felt the 29 had a 40 point advantage each day against the 27. Yes, its a ASW 27-18 on the paperwork, but when you look at the wing and compare it to a 27 wing (also the winglets as they are different), their are differences.
When AS build the 29, I was told by the factory, that it would equal the 27 in performance in 15 M, but not be better. It runs real good to 95 kts loaded, but seems to fall off a little after 95 kts compared to the 27.
The 27 does have better handling feel in 15 M V the 29 in 15 M IMHO. It also thermals as good but thermaling it is slightly different than the 27.
Anyway numbers are numbers but we should try not be sloppy about them as my past Professors would enjoy correcting my paperwork when I was. To many times are these posts where folks talk about the glider that won and how great it is. Well, its the guy/girl sitting in any modern racer is what makes the difference, and they should be the ones to get the credit where credit is due. As Renner said more than once "I was just lucky, thats all", something simple yet honest.
Just get a modern 15 Meter ship, if you can. If not and you really want to race, start with a Club Class glider. They got some talent at the top of their score sheet to learn and race against.

Enjoy, #711.