Glasflügel H201 Libelle

DEVELOPMENT and DESCRIPTION

As its name implies, the Standard Libelle is a version of the popular Open Class H 301 Libelle with modifications to meet the Standard Class requirements; these consisted of removing the flaps and tail braking parachute, fitting a fixed instead of retractable monowheel and raising the height of the canopy. A new Wortmann wing section is featured and terminal velocity dive brakes are fitted. The canopy is unusual in having a catch that enables the front to be raised by 25mm in flight to provide a blast of ventilating air if required, instead of the more conventional small sliding panel used for this purpose. When the Standard Class rules were modified in 1970, a retractable monowheel was substituted for the fixed one. The Standard Libelle is of similar glassfibre construction to the H 301 Libelle, and likewise has provision for 50kg of water ballast in the wing leading edge.

The prototype made its first flight in October 1967 and the Standard Libelle proved to be very popular, a total of 601 being built altogether. The type soon made its mark in contest flying; one flown by Per-Axel Persson of Sweden, winner of the 1948 World Championships, came second in the Standard Class at the 1968 World Championships at Leszno in Poland.

The H 101 Salto is a version of the Standard Libelle developed by Frau Ursula Hänle, widow of Ing Eugen Hänle, the former Director of Glasflügel; the Salto (this word is German for loop) is produced by Start + Flug GmbH formed by Frau Hänle, and differs from the Standard Libelle largely in having a V-tail with an included angle of 99°. The Salte also owes something to the V-tailed Hütter H-30 GFK. Four flush-fitting air brakes repositioned on the wing trailing edges replace the more conventionally-sited air brakes of the Standard Libelle; the Salto's air brakes are hinged at their mid-points so that half the surface projects above the wing and half below.

The Salto prototype first flew in March 1970 and 60 had been delivered by the spring of 1977; German type certification was granted on 28 April 1972 and the Salto has also been certificated by the FAA as well as Germany in the Normal and Aerobatic categories. The wing span is 13.6m (44ft 7½in) but a 15m (49ft 2½in) span wing can be fitted optionally for Normal category operation; the former wing has an area of 92.35sq ft and an aspect ratio of 21.8. The landing gear consists of a fixed monowheel with a fairing and a tailskid, and the one-piece canopy is hinged to open sideways.

PERFORMANCE DATA

 

Three Axis View Glasflügel H201 Libelle

GGC's Syndicate – VH-GBM

Now shared by a syndicate based in Benalla, as well as as a GGC member, this glider was actually purchased new by the Geelong Gliding Club in the 1970's, along with it's sister ship, GBL.

GGC's Syndicate – VH-GCR

Owned by a syndicate of four, this glider is a frequent first choice for new private owner. GCR is frequently seen on the airfield.

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