Andy,

Sink rate and drag are the same thing (we need to burn something to
feed friction... it's our potential energy we're paying out). See my
other posts on AOA and wing loading. That's right, the initial
conditions are not the same, which is why we carry water and why a
ballasted glider will gain more height during a pull up from high
speed.

We're in the same place.


(Andy Durbin) wrote in message . com...
(Chris OCallaghan) wrote in message om...
Well, at least we've got everyone on the same theme now. It's the
drag. Why don't you guys in Phoenix do a little testing and we'll do
the same here at M-ASA. I think we all agree that the heavier glider
has a significant drag advantage at high speed, and will gain
additional altitude. But how much, exactly?


So far I have not seen anyone consider the fact that, at the same
(high) speed, the unballasted glider has a significantly higher sink
rate at the start of the pull up. The initial conditions are not the
same.


Andy (GY)