The Start + Flug H-121 Globetrotter is an advanced training glider, seating two in side-by-side configuration. It was intended for production but Start + Flug ceased trading soon after the Globetrotter's first flight.
| Globetrotter | |
|---|---|
| Role | Side-by-side training glider |
| National origin | Federal Republic of Germany |
| Designer | Ursula Hänle and Walter Stender |
| First flight | 28 July 1977 |
| Number built | 1? |
Design and development edit
The Globetrotter was originally named the Schulmeister,[1] reflecting its role as an advanced training glider. It was designed by Ursula Hänle and Walter Stender[2] and is mostly constructed from glass-reinforced plastic (G.R.P.). Student and instructor sit side-by-side under a single piece canopy which opens by sliding forward over the nose. The fuselage has provision for water ballast.[1]
It is a mid- wing monoplane with its wings, which have an Eppler E603 profile, swept forward at 2.5°. Airbrakes extend from the upper wing surfaces only. It has a T-tail and a standard, fixed glider monowheel undercarriage with a tailwheel.[1]
Operational history edit
The number of Globetrotters built is uncertain. One source says production began in March 1978[1] but another implies the company closed sometime in 1977.[3] There is no hard evidence for the construction of other aircraft after the prototype.
The first prototype Globetrotter was later registered in the United States.[4] No Globetrotters remained on the European civil registers in 2010.[5]
Specifications edit
Data from Hardy 1982.[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: Two
- Length: 7.66 m (25 ft 2 in)
- Wingspan: 17.00 m (55 ft 9 in)
- Height: 1.06 m (3 ft 6 in)
- Wing area: 15.80 m2 (170.1 sq ft)
- Aspect ratio: 18.3
- Airfoil: Eppler E 603
- Empty weight: 290 kg (639 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 500 kg (1,102 lb)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 249 km/h (155 mph, 135 kn)
- Maximum glide ratio: maximum 36:1 at 100 km/h (62 mph; 54 kn
- Rate of sink: 0.65 m/s (128 ft/min) at 81 km/h (50 mph; 44 kn)
References edit
- ^ a b c d e Hardy, Michael (1982). Gliders & Sailplanes of the World. London: Ian Allan Ltd. p. 122. ISBN 0 7110 1152 4.
- ^ "Sailplane directory - Start + Flug Globetrotter H-121". Retrieved 20 September 2012.
- ^ Taylor, John W. R. (1981). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1981-1982. London: Jane's Information Group. p. 578. ISBN 0710607059.
- ^ "Aircraft N71525 Profile". Retrieved 20 September 2012.
- ^ Partington, Dave (2010). European registers handbook 2010. Air Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN 978-0-85130-425-0.
