Schleicher ASK 16 at Speyer-Edry airfield, Germany, in June 2007
Role
Touring motor glider
Type of aircraft
National origin
Germany
Manufacturer
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co
Designer
Rudolf Kaiser
First flight
2 February 1971
Introduction
1972
Status
in service
Primary user
club and private flyers
Number built
44
The ASK 16 was designed by Rudolf Kaiser for production by Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co of Furth, Germany. The aircraft is of welded tube, wood and fabric construction and has a low-set high-aspect-ratio wing.
Seating is side-by-side for two persons under a fully transparent side-hinged canopy. The standard powerplant is a 72 hp (54 kW) Limbach L1700 driving a Hoffman variable-pitch propeller.[1]
The ASK 16 has a retractable tail-wheel undercarriage with the main units mounted under the wings and retracting inwards. It is fitted with dual controls to permit use in the primary training role.[1]
Production and operation
The prototype first flew on 2 February 1971 and a total of 44 aircraft were built for operation by clubs and private owners.[1] Most of the completed aircraft remained in active service in 2005, including examples flying in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Specifications
Schleicher ASK 16 showing arrangement of underwing retractable undercarriage and side-hinged canopy
Data from Airlife's World Aircraft,[1] Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1971-72[2]