On Thu, 19 Jul 2018 09:44:43 +0300, BruceGreeff
wrote:


Consequently they turn out engineers with decent practical experience in
leading edge manufacture. Not a bad approach - especially considering
the direct engagement with peers, and product manufacturers, and
academics. These engineers and scientists also get to test their
product. Good for focussing the mind.

I doubt there is any pressure, expectation or ambition for their
experimental design to be a commercial success, Or even necessarily to
advance flight performance. It may be primarily about fabrication
techniques. This one could well be about controlability... Who knows.

Empirically he approach seems to work. The most recent, successful
startup in glider manufacture -Jonker Sailplanes uses exactly this model.


.... not to mention that ALL German glider designers since 1960 are
Akaflieg products, without exception. Guess where the German market
domnination came from...

Cheers Andreas