Also the GP14 is a glider with 45:1 performance, electric self launch technology (no external propellors or gaps like FES) and its cost is around 80k US with trailer (from what I have heard). The introductory price was far less IF you jumped in early and ordered this spring.

If all of this is true, and I have no reason to believe that it is not, the GP14 will be a MAJOR game changer in the sport of soaring.

Self launch is an absolutely key feature to offer to todays soaring pilots. Couple that with 45:1 performance and getting all of that capability in a sub 100k new package. That is nothing short of incredible compared to what is currently offered by other manufacturers for 160-200k. The Silent is 120k I believe.

From what I have seen the GP14's general tech, design, manufacturing innovations and overall quality...it is truly impressive. This comes from several who actually visited the factory recently. These are NOT folks who are easily impressed by glider manufacturing quality...to say the least.

It would be a very short step to take this design philosophy and scale it 1..5 or 4.5 meters to achieve 15m or 18m, etc.

Ill be honest. I don't care if I am flying in a class that is 60:1, 50:1 or 40:1 as long as the best pilots (and a significant number of pilots) are buzzing about it. I look forward to seeing the GP14 arrive in the USA (Michigan in particular) this winter. I suspect this glider is going to be phenomenally successful when compared to the other 13.5m gliders.

The big question is...how many pilots currently flying 15/18 gliders will take a look at it?

We shall see...