Aircraft overview

The Alexander Schleicher ASW 20 is a single-seat, flapped sailplane built for the FAI 15 metre racing class. Designed by Gerhard Waibel, it first flew in 1977 and was produced by Alexander Schleicher in Germany, with licensed production also associated with Centrair in France. It matters on the used market because it represents the mature fiberglass racing sailplane era: lighter and more refined than earlier glass ships, but simpler and generally less expensive than later carbon-fiber competition designs.

Performance & specifications

As a pure sailplane, the Alexander Schleicher ASW 20 has no engine, no fuel range and no conventional cruise speed figure. Performance is best assessed by glide, speed limits and ballast capability. Typical published figures include a 15 metre, 49.2 ft wingspan, a best glide ratio of about 43:1 and a never exceed speed around 151 knots. Maximum takeoff weight is commonly listed at about 992 lb, with water ballast used to raise wing loading for stronger soaring conditions. Practical cross-country speed and achievable distance depend heavily on weather, pilot technique, ballast and task profile rather than a fixed aircraft range. Operating ceiling is likewise atmospheric rather than engine-limited.

Cabin & avionics

The cockpit is a compact single-seat glider layout with a forward-hinged or side-hinged canopy depending on installation and variant, retractable main wheel, flaps and dive brakes. Ergonomics are typical of late 1970s competition sailplanes: efficient, close-fitting and weight conscious. Factory avionics were minimal by modern powered-aircraft standards. Used examples are commonly found with an airspeed indicator, altimeter, mechanical or electronic variometer, compass, VHF radio, GPS flight computer, FLARM or similar traffic awareness equipment and, in some markets, a transponder or ADS-B solution. Garmin Perspective and Garmin G1000 are not typical ASW 20 installations.

Buying & value

Prospective buyers should focus on condition, documentation and equipment rather than airframe age alone. Important checks include composite surface condition, repairs, spar and wing root records, control-system play, flap and airbrake operation, retractable gear condition, water ballast leaks, canopy fit, trailer quality and compliance with applicable service bulletins or airworthiness directives. Common market references include the original ASW 20, refined ASW 20B versions and later C or CL related variants, some with span extensions or winglets depending on configuration. In the used market, the Alexander Schleicher ASW 20 usually sits as a capable classic 15 metre racing sailplane: more performance-oriented than basic club gliders, but typically below newer high-end racing sailplanes in price.