Advanced Soaring Concepts Spirit
The Advanced Soaring Concepts Spirit, also called the Advanced Soaring Concepts American Spirit, is an American mid-wing, T-tailed. single-seat, FAI Standard Class glider that was designed by Tor Jensen and produced by Advanced Soaring Concepts, first flying in 1992. The aircraft was produced in kit form for amateur construction.[1][2]
| Role | Glider |
|---|---|
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Advanced Soaring Concepts |
| Designer | Tor Jensen |
| First flight | 1992 |
| Introduction | 1992 |
| Status | Production completed |
| Number built | 18 |
| Variants | Advanced Soaring Concepts Falcon |
Design and development
The Spirit was the Standard Class design that paralleled the company's FAI 15-Metre Class Falcon.[1][2]
The aircraft is made from a welded steel tubing, with an Aramid reinforced cockpit section. Its 15 m (49.2 ft) span wing employs a Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer spar and carbon sandwich construction. The kit came with pre-molded fiberglass parts. 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.[1][2]
Specifications (Spirit)
Data from Purdy and Sailplane Directory[1][2]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 49 ft 3 in (15 m)
- Wing area: 101.1 sq ft (9.39 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 23.9:1
- Empty weight: 508 lb (230 kg)
- Gross weight: 1,160 lb (526 kg)
Performance
- Stall speed: 44 mph (71 km/h, 38 kn)
- Maximum glide ratio: 44:1
- Wing loading: 11.47 lb/sq ft (56.0 kg/m2)
References
- Purdy, Don: AeroCrafter - Homebuilt Aircraft Sourcebook, page 300. BAI Communications. ISBN 0-9636409-4-1
- Activate Media (2006). "Spirit Advanced Soaring Concepts". Archived from the original on 20 August 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2011.