"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
...
smjmitchell wrote:

snip


Think how the creations of each of these designers changed the course of
gliding. Most of these designers created gliders that set new levels in
glider performance. We have reached a point now where we can no longer
afford more performance. We need creative ideas to reduce cost. We need
a
new bunch of designers to tackle this issue. snip

Mitchell makes some good points, and I agree with them in general, but I
think the focus for cheaper gliders should be on the gliders clubs and
commercial operations will buy. If cheap, good gliders are going to
increase the number of pilots, we need these gliders where these new
pilots will see them and use them.

For example, if a brand new PW5 or similar was only $10,000, that would
make it almost irresistible to a lot of clubs. The members would have a
good transition to cross-country flying from the two seat trainers;
bigger clubs could afford more than one; and many new pilots would
become private owners of this glider.

Eventually, as the number of pilots increased, so would the demand for
higher performance to where a high volume, lower cost LS4 equivalent
could be practical to manufacture. My belief is we have to ensure the
demand first, then build that cheap LS4.

I realize a $10,000 PW5 equivalent is a dream, when even the low tech
trailer for it will cost $5000, but I hope you see the point that lower
cost high performance gliders at the high end won't do as much for
soaring as a low cost medium performance glider. The high end glider
only appeals to those already committed to the sport.

--
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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA


Finding a way to produce a 'cheap' LS4 isn't going to be the result of
re-shuffling the compromises that produced the LS4 in the first place.
Composite gliders are made the way they are because hand labor can produce a
high performance product in low quantities. There's not a lot a room for
improvement in that process. (Finding cheap labor will be a short term
solution since once they can produce a quality product, they won't be cheap
anymore.)

What's needed is a breakthrough in materials and processes. I don't know
what that is or if it's even possible but if we are to succeed, it will
require thinking WAY "outside the box".

A modern glider is a very large assembly of light, strong, highly accurate
parts. How do we do that cheaply? Solve that riddle and you will be a
legend.

Bill Daniels