Russia Sailplanes website

Are we saying larger sailplanes require larger tow vehicles?

Smaller sailplanes (Russia, PW5) require smaller tow vehicles?

You can buy new "small" trucks for $15 K. Large trucks/SUV near $25
K.

If this is part of the equation, the "old" used ships (which tend to
be very heavy) look even less practical then the new, small planes.

Performance difference? Maybe the "old" gliders have better L/D, but
the new, small sailplanes (Russia, PW5) have better climb. Both can
go cross-country.

John

Earlier, (Tom Seim) wrote:

Try reading your owner's manual, especially
the part about towing weight limits.

For my 4-cylinder Volvos (240 and 740), the specified weight limit is
about twice what my glider+trailer rig weighs, and I've done many
trips across the Sierra.

Bob K.

(John) wrote in message . com...
Are we saying larger sailplanes require larger tow vehicles?

Smaller sailplanes (Russia, PW5) require smaller tow vehicles?

You can buy new "small" trucks for $15 K. Large trucks/SUV near $25
K.

If this is part of the equation, the "old" used ships (which tend to
be very heavy) look even less practical then the new, small planes.

Performance difference? Maybe the "old" gliders have better L/D, but
the new, small sailplanes (Russia, PW5) have better climb. Both can
go cross-country.

John

Your argument fails because one could just as well tow the "old"
glider with the "small" truck, sacrificing a little acceleration and
perhaps a few miles per hour safe cruising speed.

On the other hand, this does bring up a possible application where the
PW5/Russia could really excell: the cross-country trailer race! Kind
of like the RTKH event of last year, an event where contestents
trailer their gliders along a specified route, stopping periodically
to assemble and disassemble their gliders in front of judges.

If you can just get over your fixation with flying, the midget gliders
do start to look really attractive.