Glasflügel BS-1

BS-1
BS-1
Role Glider
National origin West Germany
Manufacturer Glasflügel
Designer Björn Stender
Introduction 1962
Status Production ended 1969
Produced 1964-1969
Number built 20, including two prototypes

The Glasflügel BS-1, sometimes called the Björn Stender BS-1 or the Stender BS-1, is a West German, high-wing, single seat, T-tailed, FAI Open Class glider that was designed by Björn Stender and produced by Glasflügel.[1][2]

Design and development

The prototype BS-1 was designed by Stender as the initials indicate; the BS-1 was closely based on his earlier Akaflieg Braunschweig SB-6 Nixope, produced whilst he was still an undergraduate. Two prototypes were built by him and his three assistants in 1962. He was then a young engineering student and designed the aircraft at the request of a South African sailplane pilot and industrialist, producing a design that was very advanced for its time. While the designer was test flying of one of the prototypes in 1963 the aircraft suffered an in-flight structural failure and Stender was killed. Glasflügel then took over the project and re-engineered the design, based on their experience producing the Glasflügel H-301 Libelle. The company went on to build 18 production aircraft.[1][2][3]

The BS-1 is constructed entirely from fiberglass and features an 18.0 m (59.1 ft) wing with flaps and dive brakes. For further glidepath control the BS-1 has a tail-mounted parachute. The landing gear is a retractable monowheel.[1][2]

A planned improved model, the BS-1b, was never produced.[2]

Operational history

The BS-1 was considered one of the first soaring "super ships" and was one of the most high-performing gliders of its time, the mid-1960s. Alfred Rohm of West Germany flew a BS-1 to a world 300 km (186 mi) speed record of 135.3 km/h (84 mph) in 1967.[4] Thierry Thys of San Leandro, California flew a BS-1 on a 917 km (570 mi) flight in 1970. At that time it was the third-longest soaring flight ever made.[1][2]

Aircraft on display

A Glasflügel BS-1 on display at the Frontiers of Flight Museum

Specifications (BS-1)

Data from Sailplane Directory and Soaring[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 18.0 m (59 ft 1 in)
  • Wing area: 14.09 m2 (151.7 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 23:1
  • Empty weight: 310 kg (684 lb)
  • Gross weight: 450 kg (993 lb)

Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: 44:1 at 84 km/h (52 mph)
  • Rate of sink: 0.543 m/s (106.8 ft/min) at 80 km/h (50 mph)
  • Wing loading: 32 kg/m2 (6.5 lb/sq ft)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Activate Media (2006). "BS-1 Glasflugel". Archived from the original on 25 August 2012. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 79, Soaring Society of America November 1983. USPS 499-920
  3. ^ Simons, Martin (2006). Sailplanes 1945-1965 (2nd revised ed.). Königswinter: EQIP Werbung & Verlag GmbH. pp. 258–261. ISBN 3-9807977-4-0.
  4. ^ Air Progress: 18. September 1971. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. ^ "Glasflügel BS-1 - Frontiers of Flight Museum". flightmuseum.com. Archived from the original on 20 December 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  6. ^ National Soaring Museum (2011). "Sailplanes in Our Collection". Archived from the original on 16 May 2011. Retrieved 9 July 2011.
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