Any news/update on GP Gliders?

Is there a 13.5m class at Benalla? I was under the impression it was Open/15m/18m.

Nick.

13.5 m WGC in 2017 is in Hungary.

Here is what I have heard...

The GP14 has evolved significantly in several key design areas since the initial design was completed. This required a cascading array of part and system design changes. And that process has understandably taken som extra time.

For example motor technology advancements allowed them to increase the motor size from 15-25kw (a whopping 66% increase in power!) with nearly the same form factor and minimal weight increase. This obviously should significantly improve expected performance, efficiency and especially high altitude launch performance. But maximizing the performance and efficiency of the newer more powerful motor demanded larger propellers and the entire motor retraction system (pillar, actuation, controllers, propellers, batteries and wing battery compartments, etc.) needed to be modified, enlarged and strengthened.

Other significant improvements have been made although I'm not certain what they are exactly.

All this change has (understandably IMO) pushed back early orders 6-12 months from initial delivery estimates. Unfortunate for anxiously waiting buyers but not without increased value or justification. This is not simply a case of being behind or "late." They are making significant and intelligent improvements and trying to do this right. I understand that the first gliders will be in the USA next spring and they we're initially expected this fall.

Not to be a complete GP14 cheerleader (I do have some skepticism), however, I do think a 45:1, extremely high performance electric self launch glider (HUGE at this price point) has the potential to be a true game changer. 45:1+ is more than enough performance for me personally. IF the 13.5m class was to catch on, the idea of paying double for 15/18m for an extra 5 to (perhaps) 7 LD points (at low speeds) is fairly difficult to justify.

maanantai 10. lokakuuta 2016 7.02.45 UTC+3 Sean kirjoitti:
Not to be a complete GP14 cheerleader (I do have some skepticism), however, I do think a 45:1, extremely high performance electric self launch glider (HUGE at this price point) has the potential to be a true game changer. 45:1+ is more than enough performance for me personally. IF the 13.5m class was to catch on, the idea of paying double for 15/18m for an extra 5 to (perhaps) 7 LD points (at low speeds) is fairly difficult to justify.

I talked to one 13.5m class pilot (flew a brand new, advertised 45:1 ship) and asked about performance, he told me that performance is a bit less than modern std. class ship in slow speeds and little bit better with high speeds (comparable wingloading). These comments were made based on test flights.. 45:1 is fantasy, sorry.

Was this test flight of a Mini-Lak?

On Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 6:34:19 PM UTC+2, pjschae wrote:
Was this test flight of a Mini-Lak?

Mini Lak is flyging!
Prototype was flying in the 13,5m WGC 2015 and performed well.
Mini Lak FES was airborne during Club, Std and 20M WGC 2016. They more or less flew every day the weather allowed, take off by the FES.
When I visited the LAK factory was there several mini LAKs in progress, according to the factory manager was there 7 gliders in the orderbook, all with FES. The one that flew during WGC will go to Norway, or has already been delivered.

From my perspective is LAK way ahead of GP gliders. They have and flown the glider, they have gliders in progress of manufacturing . They have the capability to deliver gliders this year. I don’t know about the certification, the glider that flew had an experimental marking, I guess that the first 10 will fly on special “permit to Fly�. LAK has certified the LAK 17 and 19, I guess that Mini Lak will be certified on the same preferences as LAK-17.

On Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 8:38:29 AM UTC+1, Per Carlin wrote:
On Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 6:34:19 PM UTC+2, pjschae wrote:
Was this test flight of a Mini-Lak?

Mini Lak is flyging!
Prototype was flying in the 13,5m WGC 2015 and performed well.
Mini Lak FES was airborne during Club, Std and 20M WGC 2016. They more or less flew every day the weather allowed, take off by the FES.
When I visited the LAK factory was there several mini LAKs in progress, according to the factory manager was there 7 gliders in the orderbook, all with FES. The one that flew during WGC will go to Norway, or has already been delivered.

From my perspective is LAK way ahead of GP gliders. They have and flown the glider, they have gliders in progress of manufacturing . They have the capability to deliver gliders this year. I don’t know about the certification, the glider that flew had an experimental marking, I guess that the first 10 will fly on special “permit to Fly�. LAK has certified the LAK 17 and 19, I guess that Mini Lak will be certified on the same preferences as LAK-17.

But the GP glider designs (13.5 + 15m versions) look a whole lot more interesting to me - both as glider designs and also the electric self-launching reverse pylon concept. I'd wait and see how their build quality, certification and performance work out before buying any other glider similar glider.