50+:1 15m sailplanes

Mike Borgelt wrote:


As for complexity of two jet engines compare with a horrible, heavy,
noisy vibrating two stroke with reduction drive and propeller, complex
and heavy extend /retract mechanism, heat issues if the engine is
buried in the fuselage and complex operating procedures with very
limited climb speed range. Look at the prices being charged for these
contraptions.

Typical self-launchers are rpm limited to about 70-75 knot cruise, which
is painfully slow when flying into a 30-40 knot headwind while trying to
reach a wave. As a result, I often don't attempt to fly our best winter
waves, since it'd an hour+ to reach them. Being able to cruise at 100+
knots would cut the transit time in half.

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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA