In article kCGwc.58852$Ly.35225@attbi_s01, says...
I have flown with quite a few different types of gliders. Most of the
time, everyone was running around at about 60 knots,


Sounds like you are saying it wouldn't do well in SW USA. It's a
pretty poor day in Arizona that doesn't see ballasted standard class
ships running above 80kts and 95kt inter-thermal speeds are common.

Andy

Andy's right. Damn, Doug, I carry more ballast than your gross weight.

My 500Km XC last week averaged 105 Kts interthermal cruise with 24%
thermalling, M=2Kts on the glide computer and 500 pounds of water in the
wings. I can dump that ballast and continue at 6 pounds wing loading.

Big wings rule. Good performance from little wings is an illusion.


Some pilots are magicians, though, aren't they?

Now, now, Bill: you're just teasing us, aren't you? 20 Meters is needed
to get "good performance"? Do you really think a ballasted SparrowHawk
would fly at 60 knots in Arizona conditions?

Doug was reporting on comparisons with gliders flying in the SAME air,
not air separated by 1500 miles!

I'm curious: what is the maximum span that qualifies as "little wings"?
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Eric Greenwell USA