Asw20 vs Discus

At 08:42 13 May 2014, krasw wrote:
On Sunday, 11 May 2014 21:44:07 UTC+3, wrote:
Hi,
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I am looking for any advice as to which had a higher performance out of
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hese two gliders. I realise it will be pretty similar as they have the
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handicap, but anything you can tell me such as:
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Strong vs weak conditions?
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How well does each carry water?
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Anything else you can offer.
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I realise they are hard to compare as they are from different classes.
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Thanks
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RB

I've flown over 500 hrs both (Discus b/WL and ASW20 "A"). Performance is
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etty much the same. If you fly a lot without water ballast, ASW goes
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in strong conditions. Discus can be ballasted to 70kg more so that evens
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t out (fully ballasted ASW20 climbs better, though). Both suffer from
rain
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and bugs. ASW is a bit more complex because of flaps, but it is nicer to
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y and accelerates better, plus you can land it in tighter spot. With
Discus=
you have to get used to thermalling with controls crossed (it requires
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nter-aileron when turning). Directional stability is better in Discus
(more=
so with winglets), with ASW you have to be more sensitive with rudder.
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h have roomy cockpits, back rest can be removed for long pilots.

Discus is much easier to rig, ASW has heavier wings and manual
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*This is the only part where you notice the Discus is newer generation*.
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riginal gelcoat is probably long gone in both of them. You can put jet
engi=
ne to ASW, but on the other hand buy a used Turbo Discus.

I have had water system issues both with Discus (those leaking S-H
valves..=
..) and ASW (leaking bag). Minor things.

Both are very good gliders, but ASW gives you same performance little bit
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heaper.


Agree with all of the above, based on a fair amount of experience in both.
the only thing I would add is that, at more or less equal wing-loadings,
the ASW20 starts to do considerably better as you get above 80 - 90 knots.