Glasflügel 402

The last type in the proud chain of Glasflügel gliders was the Glasflügel 402, registration D-2611 and the competition number 17M.

The first flight on December 16 1980 and was carried out by Martin Hansen.

As a further development of the 304, it was designed from the outset for a wingspan of 17 m. The fuselage was lengthened and the tail surfaces enlarged. The 402 was to succeed the Kestrel, whereby the use of carbon fibres in the spar caps could significantly reduced its empty weight.

For flights in the 15 metre class, the outer wings could be removed. Regardless of wingspan, it was always allowed to fly with full water ballast (maximum flight weight 500 kg), all flap positions and the maximum speed of 270 km/h. Like the Mosquito and the 304, the 402 had the combined flap-brake flap system.

As a further development, a self launching motor glider variant with propulsion and folding propeller housed in the fuselage was in the design phase.

There was only one 402 built. The fuselage is now part of the Falcon and the wings were used on a Glasflügel 304 which is now known as 304/17.

Dimensions

Wingspan                         17.00 m
Surface Area                    10.60 m²
Aspect Ratio                    27.26
Profile                               HQ 10-1642
Length                              6.80 m

Weight
Empty Weight                               250 kg
Maximum Cockpit Weight          110 kg
Maximum Gross Weight             500 kg
Maximum Ballast                         170 kg
Maximum Wing Loading            31.1 kg/m² at 47.2 kg/m²

Speeds
Maximum Speed                           270 km/h
Stall Speed at 340 kg                    59 km/h
Stall Speed at 500 kg                    75 km/h

Performance
Minimum sink at 74 km/h              0.52 m/s (at 340 kg)
Minimum sink at 94 km/h              0.66 m/s (at 500 kg)
Best Glide at 105 km/h                   45 (at 340 kg)
Best Glide at 118 km/h                   45 (at 500 kg)