"A" vs "B"

On Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:45:17 -0700 (PDT), C2
wrote:

How much performance advantage does an "A" model (Ventus or Discus) have over
a "B" model. Looking for some numbers, but I can't seem to find anything definitive.

Dick Johnson tested and reported the results on his Ventus A in
December 1981 SOARING, and followed this up in June 1982 with his
report on a Ventus B.

Page 30 of the 2nd article shows an overlay of the A vs B polar plots.
Only over 100 kts can you see a small seperation develop between the
two plots.

Perhaps a more important factor is the small cockpit of the A model,
and the lack of the self-connecting controls of the B model.

Check the SSA website for the full reports.

Bob

On Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 1:38:28 PM UTC-7, Bob Gibbons wrote:
On Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:45:17 -0700 (PDT), C2
wrote:

How much performance advantage does an "A" model (Ventus or Discus) have over
a "B" model. Looking for some numbers, but I can't seem to find anything definitive.

Dick Johnson tested and reported the results on his Ventus A in
December 1981 SOARING, and followed this up in June 1982 with his
report on a Ventus B.

Page 30 of the 2nd article shows an overlay of the A vs B polar plots.
Only over 100 kts can you see a small seperation develop between the
two plots.

Perhaps a more important factor is the small cockpit of the A model,
and the lack of the self-connecting controls of the B model.

Check the SSA website for the full reports.

Bob

My Ventus b has self-connecting controls.

Richard

On Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 3:38:28 PM UTC-5, Bob Gibbons wrote:
On Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:45:17 -0700 (PDT), C2
wrote:

How much performance advantage does an "A" model (Ventus or Discus) have over
a "B" model. Looking for some numbers, but I can't seem to find anything definitive.


Perhaps a more important factor is the small cockpit of the A model,
and the lack of the self-connecting controls of the B model.

Only the Ventus has the different control connections between A&B, IIRC. The Ventus A is only auto-connect elevator. Ventus B and all Discii are full auto-connect.

FWIW, the FAI handicaps the two the same. The SSA appears to give a lower handicap (lower == higher performance in SSA-land) to the B, but that is likely due to the higher empty weight of the B vs the A.