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Rolladen-Schneider LS9
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| Type designation | LS9 |
| Competition class | 18 metre |
| Number built | 10 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Length | 6.84 m |
| Height | 1.43 m |
| Cockpit width | 0.64 m |
| Cockpit height | 0.83 m |
| Wingspan | 18 m |
| Wing area | 11.40 m² |
| Aspect ratio | 28.42 |
| Wing profile | FX 81-K-130 FX 81-K-148 |
| Empty mass | ca. 350 kg fully equipped |
| Maximum mass | 525 kg |
| Wing loading | ca. 37 - 46 kg/m² |
| Maximum speed | 270 km/h |
| Maneuver speed | 190 km/h |
| Minimum sink | ca. 0.58 m/s at 480 kg |
| Glide ratio | > 47 |
| Roll rate | ca. 4.5 s at 95 km/h (-45º to +45º) |
| Engine type | Solo 2625 2 cylinder 2 stroke |
| Engine power | ca. 55 hp |
| Fuel tank | 23 litres |
| Take-off run | ca. 200 m (450 kg, ISA) 350 m (525 kg, 1500 m, 30º OAT) |
| Distance to clear 15 m obstacle |
ca. 300 (450 kg, ISA) 510 m (525 kg, 1500 m, 30º OAT) |
| Climb rate | 3.5 - 4.0 m/s (sea level) 2.0 - 2.3 m/s (at 3000 m) |
| Best climb speed | 90 km/h at 470 kg |
| Range in 'saw-tooth' operation | ca. 550 km |
The Rolladen-Schneider LS9 is an 18 metre single-seat motorglider launched in 2000 by Rolladen-Schneider. Production ended after just 10 gliders were built, when Rolladen-Schneider went into receivership.
History
The LS9 was the sole self-launching glider developed at Rolladen-Schneider. The prototype first flew in 1995, powered by a Rotax 535 two-stroke engine. Production of this engine was discontinued by Rotax, putting the LS9 project on hold pending the development of a suitable engine.
The Solo 2625 engine and a Technoflug two-blade propeller were finally selected. The engine installation, including the carbon composite propeller mast and folding exhaust system, was developed by the specialist firm Walter Binder Motorenbau GmbH, having nearly 100% commonality with the Schempp Hirth Ventus CM installation.
General description
- Wings from the LS6-18w moulds, with strengthened spars and leading edges.
- Fuselage shape adapted from the LS4 by broadening the tail boom to accommodate the engine.
- All-new structure combining a new safety glass/carbon cockpit with a full carbon composite fuselage behind the wing.
- Empennage from the LS4 with new carbon and aramid composite construction.
- Larger undercarriage (5” hub) set further forward to prevent nose-over with the engine at full power.
- Innovative 210 mm x 65 mm steerable tailwheel integrated into the rudder directly under the hinge axis.
- Single aerotow/winching hook.
- Carbon composite propeller mast deployed by electric screw jack system.
- Engine recessed into the fuselage with electric starter, fuel and coolant pumps.
- Drive belt transmission to the large propeller.
- Stall warning system activated during powered flight.
Sources
- LS-Flugzeugbau website
- Newsletter of the Auxiliary Powered Sailplane Association
- Website of LS dealer Solaire Canada
- Thomas F, Fundamentals of Sailplane Design, College Park Press, 1999
- Ewald J, Flight Test of the LS-9, Sailplane and Gliding, Oct. 2000
