Advanced Soaring Concepts Falcon

Falcon
General information
TypeGlider
National originUnited States
ManufacturerAdvanced Soaring Concepts
Designer
StatusProduction completed
History
First flight1993
VariantsAdvanced Soaring Concepts Spirit

The Advanced Soaring Concepts Falcon, also called the Advanced Soaring Concepts American Falcon, is an American mid-wing, T-tailed, single-seat, FAI 15-Metre Class glider that was designed by Tor Jensen and produced by Advanced Soaring Concepts, and first flew in 1993.[1] The aircraft was produced as a kit for amateur construction.[2][3]

Design and development

The Falcon was designed by Jensen as the 15-metre class version of the FAI Standard Class Spirit.[2]

The aircraft is made predominantly from fiberglass sandwiches, with the wing spar made from carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer. The cockpit is made from welded steel tube, reinforced with Aramid. Its 15 m (49.2 ft) span wing has optional extensions that bring the span to 18 m (59.1 ft). Glidepath control is via full span trailing edge flaps, coupled with top surface Schempp-Hirth-style airbrakes. The flaps can be set to +15°, +10°, +5°, 0°, and -5° in flight. The cockpit was designed to accommodate a pilot of up to 76 in (193 cm) in height and weighing up to 260 lb (118 kg) with parachute. The landing gear is a retractable monowheel.[2][3]

Specifications (Falcon)

Data from Sailplane Directory and EAA[2][3]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 49 ft 3 in (15.0 m)
  • Empty weight: 580 lb (263 kg)

Performance

  • Stall speed: 38 mph (61 km/h, 33 kn) in landing configuration
  • Never exceed speed: 167 mph (269 km/h, 145 kn)
  • g limits: -3/+6
  • Maximum glide ratio: 44:1

See also

Related lists

References

  1. ^ "J2mcL Planeurs - Fiche planeur n°". www.j2mcl-planeurs.net. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d Activate Media (2006). "Falcon Advanced Soaring Concepts". Archived from the original on August 20, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  3. ^ a b c Payne, Jim (March 1994). "Limited Flying Qualities Evaluation Of The American Falcon". Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1000. Retrieved September 3, 2011.