Aircraft overview

The Alexander Schleicher ASW 15 is a single seat Standard Class sailplane built by Alexander Schleicher in Germany and designed by Gerhard Waibel. It first flew in 1968, with production continuing into the late 1970s. The type is important because it was one of the early successful glass reinforced plastic competition gliders, following the transition away from wood and metal construction. With a 15 meter wing, no flaps and clean handling, the ASW 15 became a widely used club, cross country and competition aircraft, with more than 500 examples produced.

Performance & specifications

As a pure sailplane, the ASW 15 has no powerplant and no fuel based range figure. Cross country speed depends on weather, pilot technique, ballast and terrain, but typical cruising between thermals is commonly flown in the 45 to 70 knot range. Published performance is usually quoted at about 38:1 best glide ratio, with a minimum sink rate around 115 ft per minute. The aircraft has a 49.2 ft wingspan and a maximum takeoff weight commonly listed around 900 lb, depending on variant and equipment. Useful load varies by aircraft, installed instruments and ballast provisions. There is no conventional powered aircraft service ceiling, although oxygen and local operating rules become relevant for high altitude wave flying.

Cabin & avionics

The ASW 15 has a compact single seat cockpit under a forward hinged canopy, with a reclined seating position typical of period competition sailplanes. Visibility is good for thermalling and traffic awareness, although cockpit size should be checked carefully by taller pilots before purchase. Original equipment was analog: airspeed indicator, altimeter, variometer, compass and radio. Used examples may now carry electric or pneumatic varios, flight computers, GPS navigation, transponders where required, FLARM or compatible traffic awareness, and modern battery systems. Integrated Garmin Perspective or G1000 suites are not typical for this class of glider.

Buying & value

Prospective buyers should focus on airframe history, documented repairs, gelcoat condition, control system play, canopy condition, landing gear condition and compliance with applicable service bulletins and airworthiness directives. Trailer condition can materially affect value, since most ASW 15s are bought as glider and trailer packages. Common points of comparison include the ASW 15, ASW 15B and later upgraded aircraft with improved instruments or refinished surfaces. On the used market, the Alexander Schleicher ASW 15 generally sits as an affordable classic composite 15 meter glider: less costly than newer racing sailplanes, but more capable than many older wooden club types.