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Start + Flug Globetrotter

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Globetrotter
Role Side-by-side training glider
National origin Federal Republic of Germany
Designer Ursula Hänle and Walter Stender
First flight 28 July 1977
Number built 1?

The Start + Flug H-121 Globetrotter is an advanced training glider, seating two in side-by-side configuration. It was intended for production but Start + Flug ceased trading soon after the Globetrotter's first flight.

Design and development

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The Globetrotter was originally named the Schulmeister,[1] reflecting its role as an advanced training glider. It was designed by Ursula Hänle and Walter Stender[2] and is mostly constructed from glass-reinforced plastic (G.R.P.). Student and instructor sit side-by-side under a single piece canopy which opens by sliding forward over the nose. The fuselage has provision for water ballast.[1]

It is a mid- wing monoplane with its wings, which have an Eppler E603 profile, swept forward at 2.5°. Airbrakes extend from the upper wing surfaces only. It has a T-tail and a standard, fixed glider monowheel undercarriage with a tailwheel.[1]

Operational history

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The number of Globetrotters built is uncertain. One source says production began in March 1978[1] but another implies the company closed sometime in 1977.[3] There is no hard evidence for the construction of other aircraft after the prototype.

The first prototype Globetrotter was later registered in the United States.[4] No Globetrotters remained on the European civil registers in 2010.[5]

Specifications

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Data from Hardy 1982.[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: Two
  • Length: 7.66 m (25 ft 2 in)
  • Wingspan: 17.00 m (55 ft 9 in)
  • Height: 1.06 m (3 ft 6 in)
  • Wing area: 15.80 m2 (170.1 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 18.3
  • Airfoil: Eppler E 603
  • Empty weight: 290 kg (639 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 500 kg (1,102 lb)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 249 km/h (155 mph, 135 kn)
  • Maximum glide ratio: maximum 36:1 at 100 km/h (62 mph; 54 kn
  • Rate of sink: 0.65 m/s (128 ft/min) at 81 km/h (50 mph; 44 kn)


References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Hardy, Michael (1982). Gliders & Sailplanes of the World. London: Ian Allan Ltd. p. 122. ISBN 0 7110 1152 4.
  2. ^ "Sailplane directory - Start + Flug Globetrotter H-121". Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  3. ^ Taylor, John W. R. (1981). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1981-1982. London: Jane's Information Group. p. 578. ISBN 0710607059.
  4. ^ "Aircraft N71525 Profile". Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  5. ^ Partington, Dave (2010). European registers handbook 2010. Air Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN 978-0-85130-425-0.
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