WTB 13.5 FES

Considering the purchase of a 13.5 FES. I believe the future for the electric self-launch is bright especially with the performance reports I'm reading. Any thoughts? What to buy?

On Monday, August 3, 2015 at 8:00:35 AM UTC-4, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
Considering the purchase of a 13.5 FES. I believe the future for the electric self-launch is bright especially with the performance reports I'm reading. Any thoughts? What to buy?

What performance reports? I have not seen any published. There was an article in Gliding International but little performance detail. There are interesting claims...

On Monday, August 3, 2015 at 2:08:10 PM UTC+1, Dan Daly wrote:
On Monday, August 3, 2015 at 8:00:35 AM UTC-4, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
Considering the purchase of a 13.5 FES. I believe the future for the electric self-launch is bright especially with the performance reports I'm reading. Any thoughts? What to buy?

What performance reports? I have not seen any published. There was an article in Gliding International but little performance detail. There are interesting claims...

I would wait to see how the self-launching GP14 Velo works out.

On Mon, 3 Aug 2015 07:56:29 -0700 (PDT), wrote:

On Monday, August 3, 2015 at 2:08:10 PM UTC+1, Dan Daly wrote:
On Monday, August 3, 2015 at 8:00:35 AM UTC-4, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
Considering the purchase of a 13.5 FES. I believe the future for the electric self-launch is bright especially with the performance reports I'm reading. Any thoughts? What to buy?

What performance reports? I have not seen any published. There was an article in Gliding International but little performance detail. There are interesting claims...

I would wait to see how the self-launching GP14 Velo works out.


In Europe most of the 13.5m class are flying as microlights which
require 300kg max weight (or 315kg with ballistic parachute) and 35kt
max stall speed in landing config. However ther is no such
requirement for the FAI 13.5m class so a cut down Diana is ideal to
win the contest but not sure how they'd get it certified.

Also the Silent is available now. As someone who has gone from 57 to
62 years old while waiting for a jet or FES to be approved for my
ASW27 I've decided I can't wait any longer and I gone for the Silent.
It will stay with an LS4 until the LS4 pilot fills his glider with
water and is very light for an old chap and his wife to rig.

Because it looks to me like the GP14 velo might have significantly higher performance and be a more desirable glider for more pilots as a new or used purchase. Much will depend on its flight characteristics and build quality. Time will tell.

On Tuesday, 4 August 2015 10:46:52 UTC+3, wrote:
Because it looks to me like the GP14 velo might have significantly higher performance and be a more desirable glider for more pilots as a new or used purchase. Much will depend on its flight characteristics and build quality. Time will tell.

The performance gap between GP14, miniLak and Diana makes Silents obsolete. It is showing already.

On Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 9:34:44 AM UTC+1, krasw wrote:
On Tuesday, 4 August 2015 10:46:52 UTC+3, wrote:
Because it looks to me like the GP14 velo might have significantly higher performance and be a more desirable glider for more pilots as a new or used purchase. Much will depend on its flight characteristics and build quality. Time will tell.

The performance gap between GP14, miniLak and Diana makes Silents obsolete. It is showing already.

another 13,5m manufacturer L/D 36
(no connection)
http://www.proairsport.com/

On Monday, August 3, 2015 at 5:00:35 AM UTC-7, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
Considering the purchase of a 13.5 FES. I believe the future for the electric self-launch is bright especially with the performance reports I'm reading. Any thoughts? What to buy?

I'm curious as to what the appeal is to a less than 15 meter glider. Not critizing, just asking an honest question. I get it if you want to race in that class, but are there other appealing factors that escape me? They are all 40:1, so it would be easy to find a slightly used glider for less than a new. Must be that you can get power options like FES and a reasonably good performing glider for a less than astronomical price?

On 8/4/2015 7:14 AM, wrote:
On Monday, August 3, 2015 at 5:00:35 AM UTC-7, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
Considering the purchase of a 13.5 FES. I believe the future for the
electric self-launch is bright especially with the performance reports
I'm reading. Any thoughts? What to buy?

I'm curious as to what the appeal is to a less than 15 meter glider. Not
critizing, just asking an honest question. I get it if you want to race in
that class, but are there other appealing factors that escape me? They are
all 40:1, so it would be easy to find a slightly used glider for less than
a new. Must be that you can get power options like FES and a reasonably
good performing glider for a less than astronomical price?


Um...without intending to be snarky, wing weight? If the concept has little
meaning at present, wait about 30 years! One-person riggers are far from
having complete market penetration.

Bob W.

On Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 9:15:02 AM UTC-4, wrote:
On Monday, August 3, 2015 at 5:00:35 AM UTC-7, Mike Rinaldi wrote:
Considering the purchase of a 13.5 FES. I believe the future for the electric self-launch is bright especially with the performance reports I'm reading. Any thoughts? What to buy?

I'm curious as to what the appeal is to a less than 15 meter glider. Not critizing, just asking an honest question. I get it if you want to race in that class, but are there other appealing factors that escape me? They are all 40:1, so it would be easy to find a slightly used glider for less than a new. Must be that you can get power options like FES and a reasonably good performing glider for a less than astronomical price?

Imagine ASW-20 performance with twice the roll rate and easier assembly. Oh, and FES. I think that's a very attractive mix.

-Evan Ludeman / T8