M.Hardy. Gliders & Sailplanes of the world

Schleicher AS-K 18

  This single-seater Club Class sailplane is intended as a type on which pilots can progress from the first solo stage to their early competition flights, and is based on the earlier and popular Ka 6E and Ka 8, embodying ДальшеMore>>> the docile handling characteristics, simple and rugged construction, soaring ability in weak thermals and good cross-country performance of these types. Of similar basically all-wood construction to the Ka 6E and Ka 8, the AS-K 18 first flew in prototype form in October 1974. The single-spar wooden wing has the same aerofoil section as the Ka 6E and a very similar plan form; there are Schempp-Hirth air brakes above and below the wing, the rear part of which is fabric-covered and the ailerons are plywood-covered. The cantilever wooden tail unit has a ply-covered fin and tailplane and fabric-covered rudder and elevators; there is a Flettner trim tab in the elevator. The fuselage, like that of the Ka 8B, is a welded steel tube framework with spruce longerons, and covered overall with fabric; the nose portion is of glassfibre. The pilot sits in a semi-reclining position under a hinged one piece blown Plexiglas canopy that gives excellent all-round visibility. There is a fixed monowheel just ahead of the eg with an internal brake, together with a sprung tailskid, and there is no nose skid.


Span: 52 ft 5 3/4 in
Length: 22 ft 11 1/2 in
Height: 5 ft 6 in
Wing area: 139.8 sqft
Aspect ratio: 19.7
Empty weight: 474 lb
Max weight: 739 lb
Max speed: 124 mph
Min sinking speed: 2 ft/sec at 40.5 mph
Best glide ratio: 34:1 at 46.5 mph