On Monday, October 31, 2016 at 1:06:03 PM UTC-6, Duster wrote:
Thanks for the detailed comments . There are several considerations still on the table (I have 500hrs including several hours in a Duo-Discus). My ideal motorized glider: 2-seater, easy to assemble, good trailer, dependable FES or non-pyloned powerplant, electric self-launcher (would settle for sustainer), good maneuverability. Trading-off on some features (other than my wife), the Stemme, Arcus M/T and Pipistrel Taurus electric both seem to come pretty close. I might consider a Stemme, but there doesn't seem to be many used VT's (better climb v S10), and as Dan mentioned, it doesn't maneuver like a 15m. Those are both out of my price range new. Other than Dave, there wasn't much discussion about sustainers. The numbers seem a bit tedious to find, so in general what is the weight penalty between self-launchers and sustainers? Reliability the same? Faster deployment? Yes, I would consider a single-place which would give more options. The newer electrics are compelling, but one might be waiting awhile to grab one. Aside from the deployment time, do they have a weight advantage as well (including Li batteries)? Dave's presentation included reference to a 30% incidence of engine failure (2-stroke?). Electrics must be an improvement over that, presumably. I have read Eric Greenwell's excellent articles at the ASA. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/ASA-NewsGroup/info
Thanks again,
Mike

Mike- Regarding electric sustainers and specifically the FES, please let me know exactly what questions you may have. I have owned my LAK-17B FES for 5 years and hopefully, I can help you with answers on any questions you may have. BTW, there is no deployment time on the FES as it turns on immediately like when you turn on a ceiling fan. Now, we know nothing is 100% reliable, but in 5 years and dozens of starts on the ground and in the air, it has never failed me! Finally on system weight, the total, including the 2 each, LI-Po batteries, motor and prop, adds approx 85 pounds to the weight of the glider.

Finally, as I have previously written in this thread, you can find a lot more detailed FES info at:

http://www.front-electric-sustainer.com/

Thanks - Renny