Future of 15m

Originally Posted by Rhubarb[_2_]

materials seem to have improved though. the GP15 is very light, which allows a lower wing area, which gives a higher aspect ratio, which is probably the reason behind the expected performance gains. (maybe thinner wing too)

The GP15 is a beautiful glider and promises to perform well. However we must remember it is built to a different set of standards than CS-22. This different conformity and lightness of build may affect crashworthiness and load limits.
It will be registered in the microlight or Ultralight category in a lot of countries which may restrict its wingloading and operating limits. Not sure where the USA sits in this regard.
Having said that they look fast. And when they look fast they generally go fast.

At 19:16 04 December 2017, Brett wrote:

'Rhubarb[_2_ Wrote:
;960350']materials seem to have improved though. the GP15 is
very light
which allows a lower wing area, which gives a higher aspect
ratio, whic
is probably the reason behind the expected performance gains.
(mayb
thinner wing too)

The GP15 is a beautiful glider and promises to perform well.
However w
must remember it is built to a different set of standards than CS-
22
This different conformity and lightness of build may affec
crashworthiness and load limits.
It will be registered in the microlight or Ultralight category in a lo
of countries which may restrict its wingloading and operating limits
Not sure where the USA sits in this regard.
Having said that they look fast. And when they look fast they
generall
go fast




--
Brett


The small wing area high aspect ratio,light glider didn't seem to
work too well for the Duckhawk (in terms of sales) the GP15 maybe
different? Small cockpit though- the demonstrator at Aero 2017
looked a little rough around the edges and surprisingly few people
taking an interest in it when I was there which surprised me. They
will need to shift a few if the GP14 is killed off by FAI rules in 13.5m
class.