The Rolladen-Schneider LS9 is an
18 metre single-seat
motor glider
A motor glider is a fixed-wing aircraft that can be flown with or without engine power. The FAI Gliding Commission Sporting Code definition is: a fixed-wing aerodyne equipped with a means of propulsion (MoP), capable of sustained soaring flight ...
launched in 2000 by
Rolladen-Schneider
Rolladen-Schneider was a major glider manufacturer. It originally made rolling doors and shutters and was run by Willi and Walter Schneider based in Egelsbach near Frankfurt, Germany. Walter was a keen glider pilot and recruited a sailplane des ...
. Production ended after just 10 gliders were built, when Rolladen-Schneider went into receivership.
Development
The LS9 was the sole self-launching glider developed at Rolladen-Schneider. The prototype first flew in 1995, powered by a
Rotax 535
The Rotax 535 is an Austrian aircraft engine, that was designed and produced by Rotax of Gunskirchen for use in motor gliders.European Aviation Safety Agency, (26 February 2010)Type Certificate Data Sheet Number: E.209 retrieved 24 September 2015 ...
two-stroke engine. Production of this engine was discontinued by
Rotax
Rotax is the brand name for a range of internal combustion engines developed and manufactured by the Austrian company BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG (until 2016 BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG), in turn owned by the Canadian Bombardier Recreational Product ...
, putting the LS9 project on hold pending the development of a suitable engine.
The
Solo 2625
The Solo 2625 is a series of German aircraft engines, designed and produced by Solo Vertriebs- und Entwicklungs GmbH of Fellbach for use in ultralight aircraft, self-launching sailplanes and homebuilt aircraft.Tacke, Willi; Marino Boric; et a ...
engine and a
Technoflug two-blade propeller were finally selected. The engine installation, including the carbon composite propeller mast and folding exhaust system, was developed by the specialist firm
Walter Binder Motorenbau GmbH
Walter may refer to:
People
* Walter (name), both a surname and a given name
* Little Walter, American blues harmonica player Marion Walter Jacobs (1930–1968)
* Gunther (wrestler), Austrian professional wrestler and trainer Walter Hahn (born 19 ...
, having nearly 100% commonality with the
Schempp-Hirth Ventus CM
The Schempp-Hirth Ventus is a sailplane produced during 1980–1994 by Schempp-Hirth, a German sailplane manufacturer. It was designed by Klaus Holighaus and replaced the Schempp-Hirth Mini-Nimbus. Schempp-Hirth manufactured 613 Ventus sailp ...
installation.
Design
* Wings from the
LS6-18w moulds, with strengthened spars and leading edges.
* Fuselage shape adapted from the
LS4 by broadening the tail boom to accommodate the engine.
* All-new structure combining a new safety glass/carbon cockpit with a full carbon composite fuselage behind the wing.
* Empennage from the LS4 with new carbon and
aramid
Aramid fibers, short for aromatic polyamide, are a class of heat-resistant and strong synthetic fibers. They are used in aerospace and military applications, for ballistic-rated body armor fabric and ballistic composites, in marine cordage, ma ...
composite construction.
* Larger undercarriage (5” hub) set further forward to prevent nose-over with the engine at full power.
* Innovative 210 mm x 65 mm steerable tailwheel integrated into the rudder directly under the hinge axis.
* Single aerotow/winching hook.
* Carbon composite propeller mast deployed by electric screw jack system.
* Engine recessed into the fuselage with electric starter, fuel and coolant pumps.
* Drive belt transmission to the large propeller.
* Stall warning system activated during powered flight.
Specifications
See also
References
LS-Flugzeugbau websiteNewsletter of the Auxiliary Powered Sailplane Association
*Thomas F, Fundamentals of Sailplane Design, College Park Press, 1999
*Ewald J, Flight Test of the LS-9, Sailplane and Gliding, Oct. 2000
{{Rolladen-Schneider aircraft
2000s German sailplanes
Rolladen-Schneider aircraft
Aircraft first flown in 1995
T-tail aircraft
Motor gliders