Schreder HP-18

The HP-18 is a Richard Schreder-designed metal Racing Class sailplane that was offered as a kit for homebuilding during the 1970s and 1980s.[2]

HP-18
An HP-18 dis-assembled prior to display at the Paradive Flight Gallery in Habonim
Role Club (formerly 15 metre) class Sailplane
Manufacturer Homebuilt
Designer Richard Schreder
Number built 180 kits sold[1]

Design and development

The HP-18 is a flapped (15-meter) sailplane featuring a V-tail and 90-degree flaps for glidepath control. The fuselage is composed of a prefabricated composite forward fuselage and a semi-monocoque aft fuselage, and features steeply reclined seating and a side-stick controller[2] although modifications using a conventional stick have been made.

Major features:

  • Very low cockpit with reclining seating position
  • Sidestick (changed to conventional stick by some homebuilders)
  • Two-piece canopy (changed to single piece forward opening by some homebuilders)
  • V-tail that folds upwards for easy storage
  • Wing structure composed of spars with caps pre-machined from solid aluminium plate and aluminium wing skins bonded to closely spaced foam ribs
  • Fiberglass fuselage pod, wing tip skids and tail fairings
  • Aluminium tail cone
  • Winglets added by some homebuilders
  • Water ballast carried inside the hollow aluminium wing spars
  • Typical Schreder trailing edge flaps/airbrakes partially interconnected with the ailerons

Variants

As most homebuilts, the HP-18 has been constructed with many variations in detail. Perhaps the most significant version is the Super HP-18 developed by Canadians Ed Hollestelle and Udo Rumpf, which features a modified wing airfoil, winglets, a front-hinged canopy, conventional control stick and higher ballast capacity.

Aircraft on display

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: One pilot
  • Length: 23 ft 2.4 in (7.07 m)
  • Wingspan: 49 ft 2 in (15.00 m)
  • Wing area: 113 sq ft (10.5 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 21.4
  • Empty weight: 470 lb (213 kg)
  • Gross weight: 970 lb (446 kg)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 150 mph (240 km/h, 130 kn)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 38
  • Rate of sink: 126 ft/min (0.60 m/s)

References
  1. Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 23. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
  2. Activate Media (2006). "HP-18 HP Aircraft, LLC". Archived from the original on 2008-03-03. Retrieved 2008-07-24.
  3. "Bryan/Harris HP-18 Sailplane". Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 28 March 2011.
  4. National Soaring Museum (2011). "Sailplanes in Our Collection". Retrieved 26 February 2011.
  5. US Southwest Soaring Museum (2010). "Sailplanes, Hang Gliders & Motor Gliders". Retrieved 26 May 2011.
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