"Ian Strachan" wrote in message
...
In article , Bob Johnson
writes
..........
It refers to the "easiest way to increase performance" (max L/D I
suppose), contrasting the relative simplicity of adding span compared to
the complexities of adding flaps, new airfoil sections, new
configurations, etc.
........

ahhh - I like this remark Ian,
wouldn't it have been very wise if the IGC would have had this insight
before they created the 15m class.
Isn't it true that already then, several manufacturers proposed 18m wingspan
instaed of the PIKs 15m?
Or can you tell us why the racing class really got 15 instead of 18m
wingspan?
Chris