LAK-17A description
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The LAK-17A is a new generation of FAI 15m/18m class sailplane, designed according to JAR-22 category "U" specifications. It is a mid-wing gilder with flaps, T-tail, retractable main landing gear and is capable of carrying 180 liters (47 gallons) water ballast. The sailplane is made of hybrid composite materials
(kevlar, carbon, and glass fiber). The wing spar is made
of modern carbon rods Graphlite SM315 and has a double T
section. The weight of each wing panel is about 55 kg.
The airbrakes are situated in upper surfaces only. The
wing airfoil is LAP 92-130/15 and it passes into the LAP
92-150/15 in the tip. For
the technophiles among you who wish to read more about
the revolutionary Graphlite carbon rods used in LAK-17A
click here: The cockpit is of monocoque construction. The manually contoured seat pan and an adjustable seat back together with optimally arranged control elements offer notable comfort on long flights. The one-piece Plexiglass canopy hinges forward. On the left side there is a sliding window with additional ventilation. The instrument panel lifts up together with the canopy. The material which is used for the canopies of LAK 17A has a UV permeability of 99%. That means, that only 1% of UV passes the glass. The retractable landing gear has a 350xl35 tire and shock absorber. The mechanical main wheel brake is actuated by a handle on the control stick. The rudder pedals are adjustable in flight. All controls, including the water ballast system, hook up automatically. The tow release is mounted near the main landing gear and permits winch as well as aerotow take off. The wings incorporate fork-type spar roots joined with two pins. The T-tail (fixed stabilizer with elevator) of the LAK-17A provides stable and responsive pitch characteristics. The elevator hooks up automatically during assembly. The glider is fitted with a fin ballast tank (capacity 7 liters) in order to compensate the nose-heavy moment created by the high ballast loads in the wing tanks. The water ballast is filled in, and emptied out through the holes at the bottom of the wings. The VHF antenna is mounted in the vertical fin. |
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| DIMENSIONS | WEIGHTS AND LOADINGS | ||||
| Wing span | 15 meter | 18 meter | 15 meter | 18 meter | |
| Wing area | 9.06 m2 97.52 sqft |
9.80 m2 105.51 sqft |
Empty weight | 215 kg 474 lbs |
225 kg 496 lbs |
| Wing aspect ratio | 24.83 | 33 | Max. gross weight | 500 kg 1102 lbs |
500 kg 1102 lbs |
| Fuselage length | 6.53 m | 6.53 m | Max. wing loading | 55.2 kg/m2 11.30 lbs/sqf |
51.0 kg/m2 10.45 lbs/sqf |
| Height | 1.29 m | 1.29 m | Min. wing loading | 31.5 kg/m2 6.45 lbs/sqf |
30.1 kg/m2 6.17 lbs/sqf |
Performance
| SPEEDS AND LIMITATIONS *) *) Limitations reflect certification in the standard airworthiness 'U' category per JAR-22, as listed in the flight manual. Proven design loads exceed the limits set by certification. |
PERFORMANCE | ||||
| Wing span | 15 meter | 18 meter | 15 meter | 18 meter | |
| Max. calm air speed
Limit load factor *) |
275 km/h 148 knots + 4 / -1.5 |
275 km/h 148 knots + 4 / -1.5 |
Min. sink rate | 0.54 m/s 105 fpm |
0.49 m/s 96 fpm |
| Max. rough air speed Limit load factor *) |
205 km/h 110 knots + 5.3 / -2.65 |
205 km/h 110 knots + 5.3 / -2.65 |
Stall speed in level flight, without water ballast, at the corresponding flap position (L,+2,+1,0,-1), in 15 meter configuration | L : 69 km/h 37
knots +2: 69 km/h 37 knots +1: 72 km/h 39 knots 0 : 75 km/h 40 knots -1: 76 km/h 41 knots |
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| Max. flap extended speed setting -1 and 0 |
275 km/h 148 knots |
275 km/h 148 knots |
Best L/D without ballast at 95 km/h (51 knots) | 46:1 | 49:1 |
| Max. flap extended speed setting +1 through L Limit load factor *) |
160 km/h 86 knots + 4 |
160 km/h 86 knots + 4 |
Best L/D with ballast at 115 km/h (62 knots) | 47:1 | 50:1 |
More goodies . . .
LAK
PHOTOS (at SSA 2000)
More LAK photos (at SSA 2001)
LAK company
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LAK-17A flight review
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