DEVELOPMENT and DESCRIPTION

In 1965 Rudolf Kaiser continued development of the two-seat Ka 2 and Ka 7, and by introducing many improvements produced the AS-K 13. It is built by Schleicher of mixed materials, including metal, wood and glassfibre. The swept-forward single-spar wings, retaining the basic constructional principles of the Ka 7 design, are repositioned from upper to mid position, allowing space for a large blown side-hinged canopy and making possible a good all-round view for both pilots. Seating comfort is improved by using glassfibre, and a sprung landing wheel is incorporated for a softer touchdown.

The wings have a forward sweep of 6° at the quarter-chord line and 5° of dihedral; the D-type leading edge torsion box is of plywood and the whole wing is fabric-covered. There are metal Schempp-Hirth air brakes above and below the wing, and the wooden ailerons are fabric-covered. The fuselage is a welded steel tube structure with spruce stringers and fabric-covered overall, except for the nose, which is of glassfibre; the turtle decking aft of the cockpit canopy is a plywood shell. The cantilever wooden tail unit is plywood-covered, except for the rear part of the rudder and elevators, which are fabric-covered, and there is a Flettner trim tab in the starboard elevator.

Landing gear consists of a non-retractable sprung monowheel with a drum brake, mounted aft of the cg, with a skid under the forward fuselage and a steel tailskid. The pilots have glassfibre seat panels for greater comfort, and adjustable rudder pedals; there is provision for radio and oxygen, and an aero-tow release is fitted in the nose.

It first flew in prototype form in July 1966 and by January 1978 a total of approximately 700 AS-K 13s had been built, with production continuing. The type is also sold in kit form for amateur constructors.

PERFORMANCE DATA

 

Three Axis View Schleicher AS-K13

GGC's ASK-13 – VH-GPZ

The ASK 13 was acquired in 1981 to replace the metal fatigue prone Blaniks previously used. Purchased from the Adelaide Gliding Club, it had originally been modified by Harry Schneider with a wheel replacing the nose skid. The club, being concerned about the reliability of the modification, restored it to it's original configuration. The ASK 13 has served as the club's primary trainer for many years proving ideal for the task combining excellent flight characteristics for the trainee, good visibility for the instructor, with impressive durability and ease of maintenance.

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