On Dec 7, 2:03 am, Dan G wrote:
I wouldn't worry about SZD's reputation in the light of few long and
convulated threads on this newsgroup. Only a small subset of glider
pilots read here, and even fewer will have bothered trawling though
all the ranting and raving and vacuum of facts in the Diana 2-related
threads.

If the Diana 2 is not a sales success it will have more to do with it
being entered in a dying class of glider than anything else. There's a
reason why all the newest gliders on sale recently are 18 m.

Dan

Hi Dan,

Imagine what this designer could achieve if he decides to bring into
production 18m Diana. Far fetched? I don't think so. In addition, the
Diana 2 performance matches and in some cases exceeds 18m sailplane
performance. As you can see, he is not afraid of "un-orthodox"
designs, which is where the progress is being made. You forgot that
the Diana was designed in the late '80, and that would make it
technologically the most advanced glider of its time even when if
judged by today standard. Poland and SZD Bielsko had gliders designs
way ahead of its time. But don't take my word for it; take a look how
many gliders made in Poland won world contests, European contest and
how many world records were established in Polish gliders and flown by
Polish pilots such as Edward Makula, Jan Wroblewski, Franek Kepka. Do
you want me to tell you what happened in Junin, Argentina or Marfa, TX
and it continues today? That info is available at www.fai.org and also
look at the Alexander Schleicher web site and learn something, because
those guys are not afraid of telling the truth about who flies what.
Poland in soaring is the power to recon with!!!! Period. By showing
the prejudice, arrogance and lack of knowledge about Polish gliders
and pilots you are not helping anyone in the US. The gap is only
becoming wider.

Jacek
Pasco, WA