On 23 Feb 2004 06:55:20 -0800,
(AttentionLEcureuil) wrote:

I am wondering, pilot's skills aside, how will the
ASW-20 stand-up against the very good LS-4 performance.

Better in any way, but needs significant experience to get the
advantages. The better the weather (= higher speeds), the better the
20 becomes in comparison. In very weak weather (average cruise speed
below 60 kts) the performance advantage of the 20 is negligible.

Does one clearly out climbs the other?
With higher wing loading (much water ballast - the 20 loves high wing
loading), the 20 climbs significantly better than the LS-4. At low
wing loading climb rates are identical.

Does one clearly pulls away in cruise?
Over 60 kts the 20 cruises better. The difference is huge when both
gliders fly with much water at good conditions (cruse speed in the 20
around 90-100 kts). The high speed (90-110 kts) performance of the 20
is extremely good.

Does the "wind turn" for a glider or the other when the conditions
become weaker or stronger (e.g. LS-4 performs better in less than 2kts
and the ASW-20 gets the advantage when it increases to 4kts).

The flaps make the difference....

Don't forget one extremely important thing: The flexible wings of the
20 make the ride incredibly smooth (and sexy). In my opinion the
"thermal feeling" in the 20 is extremely good.

Basic rule: The stronger weather cnditions are the more a flapped
glider is in advantage.



Bye
Andreas