Glasflugel / H-301 Schuemann Libelle
Glider Reg. Number: N25KD
1967
Design & Development
The Glasflügel H-301 Libelle is an early composite 15-metre Class single-seat sailplane produced by Glasflügel from 1964 to 1969.
In 1964 the H-301 Libelle ("Dragonfly") received the first German and first U.S. Type Certificate issued to an all-fiberglass aircraft. It had flaps, water ballast and retractable landing gear.
There are two canopy variants: the normal canopy and a sleeker, lower-profiled 'racing' canopy with no side vent. The canopy is unique in that it has a catch that enables the front to be raised by 25 mm (1 in) in flight to provide a flow of ventilating air instead of the more conventional small sliding panel used for this purpose.
The American Wil Schuemann pioneered several performance-enhancing modifications to the type, including a re-profiled wing, converting the airfoil to a Wortmann section, various fairings, a new canopy and a reshaped fuselage nose. Aircraft incorporating these changes are informally known as 'Schümanised' Libelles.
The H-201 Standard Libelle was developed in 1967 as a Standard Class variant.
The Libelle was a popular and influential design. Its light wings and easy rigging set a new benchmark. Handling is generally easy except that it is sensitive to sideslipping and has relatively ineffective airbrakes that make short landings tricky for inexperienced pilots.
The H-201 Libelle (standard class) was superseded by the Hornet.
The H-301 Libelle (open class) was superseded by the Mosquito.
Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: 50 kg (110 lb) water ballast
- Length: 6.19 m (20 ft 4 in)
- Wingspan: 15.00 m (49 ft 3 in)
- Height: 1.25 m (4 ft 1 in)
- Wing area: 9.5 m2 (102 ft2)
- Aspect ratio: 23.6
- Empty weight: 180 kg (400 lb)
- Gross weight: 300 kg (660 lb)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
- Maximum glide ratio: ca. 39
- Rate of sink: 0.55 m/s (108 ft/min)