Schleicher ASK 13

Click on image to enlarge

In 1965 Rudolf Kaiser continued development of the two-seat Ka 2 and Schleicher Ka 7 by introducing the ASK 13, using a mixture of materials including metal, wood and glassfibre. It has swept-forward single-spar wings, positioned lower than in the Ka 7, which allows for a large blown canopy providing a good all-round view for both pilots. It first flew in prototype form in July 1966 and by January 1978 a total of approximately 700 ASK 13s had been built by Schleicher. They are superb training gliders because they stall and spin well but these manoeuvres are easy to recover from. Their construction also gives them great strength and yet they are easily repairable. The aircraft was succeeded by the ASK 21.

Wingspan: 16 m (52 ft 6 in)

Maximum glide ratio: 27 at 85 km/h (46 kn)

Empty weight: 295 kg (650 lb)