wrote on 4/27/2020 6:08 AM:
On Sunday, April 26, 2020 at 11:59:57 PM UTC-4, Eric Greenwell wrote:
....

The GP15 is rated at 865 fpm (large battery, 705 lbs takeoff weight, 8.4 lb/ft2).
That's a lot better than an Electro or miniLak, two of the gliders I considered
before deciding to buy the GP15. Compare it to my ASH26E, which is around 600 fpm
at the same wing loading, and drops off at higher density altitudes. So, the GP15
should be significantly better at places like Minden, Ely, and Parowan, as it's
electric propulsion does not lose nearly as much power at those places.

The maximum weight I expect to fly at (1010 lbs) gives a 12 lb/ft2 wing loading,
and I estimate the climb rate would be about 600 fpm.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
- "A Guide to Self-Launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorg...ad-the-guide-1

At 8.5 lb wing loading an ASW-24E, on engine power of 17KW, gets 300 ft/ minute.
25KW should get it to about 450. These are the numbers I expect with my electric conversion. Color me skeptical that the GP15 is going to get 600. I don't doubt it will be very good, but think projections are optomistic.
FWIW
The wing area of the ASW 24E is 110 ft2, for a weight of 935lbs (8.5 lb wing
loading); the wing area for the GP15 is 84 ft2 , for a weight of 714 lbs (also at
8.5 lb wing loading). The GP15 motor power is 30kW during the launch (the 25 kw is
maximum continuous operation). With 24% less weight and 76% more power, it should
easily beat 600 fpm.

I have compared the brochure values for the AS 34 and Gp15 as a "reality check",
and determined the GP15 values gave climb rates similar to the AS 34 when adjusted
for wing loading and weight. That's not the same as a flight test, but at least
the engineers at the two companies are using the same handbook :^)

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
- "A Guide to Self-Launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorg...ad-the-guide-1