Best Overall Motorglider available today?

On Friday, October 9, 2020 at 12:08:08 PM UTC-6, Eric Greenwell wrote:
kinsell wrote on 10/9/2020 7:47 AM:
Now that this discussion is totally off in the weeds, I'm wondering what the
conclusion is?



On 9/15/20 11:48 AM, Nick Kennedy wrote:
Didn't want to hijack the current FES tread so I thought I'd start a new one.
This topic came up over dinner a couple of weeks ago.

When you add all the following into a pot and stir, whats the "Best"
Say for Western Great Basin flying.

I think it may be the Carat, but I don't know much about it.
CX thinks its the DG 800 series, but all I know is since he bought that thing
its been a endless battle to keep it running. But it does climb well.

FACTORS

Reliability
Maintenance required to keep it running
XC flyability, performance and control feel
Storability
Rigging
Initial cost
High density climb performance
Range
Cockpit layout and seating
Parts availability
Insurance cost
Landing gear complexity
Overall quality
Nick
T


Well, the weeds were interesting at times :^)

Thank you to all that replied to this thread!
Given the above criteria I think probably the best value is the ASH 26E.
They seen to be fairly reliable, go great, service is available.
But a JFitch pointed out these things are expensive, by any benchmark.
Best Regards
Nick
T

What are the issues people are finding with the 31? I talked to a couple of owners that didn't like them and then moved on but never understood what the issues were.
Darren

Darren
I don't know but one of them might be a spouse who is ****ed at a .25 mil asset that sits unused 95-98% of the time.
Nick
T

On Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 5:15:13 PM UTC-4, wrote:
Darren
I don't know but one of them might be a spouse who is ****ed at a .25 mil asset that sits unused 95-98% of the time.
Nick
T
Nick,
This is US soaring problem.
Speed To Fly used in reverse.
If Duo is expensive you have to buy it by yourself.
If 1-26 is cheap we use club buying power.
Europe has this in reverse.
They sure miss something
Ryszard
ps. my favorite motor-glider is Arcus M,
engine is ****,
but glider is soo crazy good if you know how to use its "super glider" flaps,
and you can always find the listener to you long story on a long flight,
and if you old like me, somebody always will bring you home safe .
But It is so expensive, I would loose my wive if I would try to buy one.
Thank you Al and Nico for a chance.

If you own a glider as an investment, perhaps you should consider buying
the Brooklyn Bridge for diversification...

On 10/10/2020 3:15 PM, Nicholas Kennedy wrote:
Darren
I don't know but one of them might be a spouse who is ****ed at a .25 mil asset that sits unused 95-98% of the time.
Nick
T

--
Dan, 5J

I don’t think anyone mentioned the AS34ME. While not available yet, it sounds like it has good potential. The web site claims total of 9000+ feet of potential climb, or 2000 self launch and 75 miles range using it as a sustainer, which is pretty much double the FES capability.
I am not clear on the charging process. Since the batteries are in the wing, it sounds like you can’t recharge between flights without taking the wings apart?
Will be interesting to hear thoughts if this is a good candidate for best overall motorglider?

Ramy

On Sunday, October 11, 2020 at 8:47:08 PM UTC-4, Ramy wrote:
I don’t think anyone mentioned the AS34ME. While not available yet...

Always an issue ;-)

I am not clear on the charging process. Since the batteries are in the
wing, it sounds like you can’t recharge between flights without taking
the wings apart?

Planes with batteries in wing typically have a connector in fuselage
to permit easy charging whilst assembled (mine does).

Do ask however if charging system is set up for 110V as commonly available
in USA - reduced voltage means double current for same charge rate,
and unless all wiring and connectors are sized appropriately for USA
you get to double the charge time to keep the current within design limits.
Ask me how I know ;-)
Usually not a big problem if its "overnight charge" anyway.

If you have to buy a high-power 110V to 240V converter that's a nuisance!

See ya, Dave

Charging from the fuselage will make it impossible to charge overnight under most circumstances unless you tie down near a hangar or use your own generator. Perhaps using a generator is a reasonable practical method?

Ramy

On Sunday, October 11, 2020 at 7:47:08 PM UTC-5, Ramy wrote:
I don’t think anyone mentioned the AS34ME. While not available yet, it sounds like it has good potential. The web site claims total of 9000+ feet of potential climb, or 2000 self launch and 75 miles range using it as a sustainer, which is pretty much double the FES capability.
I am not clear on the charging process. Since the batteries are in the wing, it sounds like you can’t recharge between flights without taking the wings apart?
Will be interesting to hear thoughts if this is a good candidate for best overall motorglider?

Ramy
The specs for the '34 leave me wanting. Regarding performance, I would rather fly my wonderful LS8-18 or an 18m Discus 2, I doubt the '34 can keep up with those gliders. Pricing is shockingly high, the '34 will run you fully equipped and delivered in a metal trailer close to $200k. In Europe, it is marketed as a "Genussflieger" or pleasure glider for club pilots. You'd be very likely disappointed, Ramy.

The price tag of close to 200K for a new self launcher does not surprise me as I don’t think you can’t find much cheaper for any new motorglider?
What surprises me is the expectation that the 34 will not perform as well as the top standard class such as LS8 and Discus 2 and is marketed as a club glider. After all the claim of 48:1 glide ratio is as high as you can expect from a non flap ship, which is not bad. So why do you expect it will not perform as well?
I wonder why they don’t offer the same option in the 33?
I would like to hear thoughts on it.
As for why I did not switch to a motorglider myself so far, part of it is enjoying the “pure� and adventure aspect of pure gliders, part is that in the places I fly and with the support I have, pure gliders worked well for me, part is shying away from complexity, maintainace and extra cost. But I am getting older, and electric solution appeal the most to me, but I haven’t found the silver lining I am looking for so far.

Ramy