[Leica] IMG: Stemme S10-vt Motorglider

[Gerry Walden]

Fascinating series Jim. I have happy memories of watching gliders in the sky above my house when I was a kid, but I guess the fact that my local airport classes itself as ‘international’ has killed that off. I think all people with any kind of adventure in their blood would love to experience the apparent freedom that flying in a glider brings.

Gerry

Gerry Walden LRPS
www.gwpics.com
+44 (0)23 8046 3076 or
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> On 7 Oct 2015, at 03:01, Jim Nichols <jhnichols at lighttube.net> wrote:
> 
> Glider enthusiasts can now have the best of both worlds, powered flight and a record-setting sailplane.  The Stemme S10-vt motorglider is built in Germany and distributed in North America from Colombia, SC.  The company demonstrator arrived this afternoon in preparation for the AOPA fly-in which takes place this weekend. I was happy to get a chance for a close look.
> 
> The airplane is powered by a 115hp Rotax turbocharged engine that is installed behind the cockpit, which drives a concealable folding propeller behind the nosecone.  It can cruise comfortably at 120 knots, and carries oxygen to go along with its service ceiling of 30,000 ft.  With a high aspect ratio wing, it has a 50:1 glide ratio in glider configuration.  The long wing is folded to enable it to make use of normal storage.
> 
> The demonstration pilot gave me a big wave when he arrived.
> http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Stemme+1.tif.html
> 
> I was impressed by the instrument panel.
> http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Stemme+2.tif.html
> 
> I had seen pictures of the folding prop, but had never seen one up close.  The engine and prop can make normal takeoffs and climbs, can be stopped and stowed in the air, and can be repositioned and restarted in the air if necessary.
> http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Stemme+3.tif.html
> 
> The wing hinges permit folding by one man, so that normal parking or hangar spaces can be utilized.
> http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Stemme+4.tif.html
> 
> This shows the right wing in the folded and stowed position.
> http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Stemme+5.tif.html
> 
> All photos with the X-E1 and 27mm
> 
> Comments and critiques welcomed.
> 
> -- 
> Jim Nichols
> Tullahoma, TN USA
> 
> 
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