Rolladen-Schneider LS9

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The Rolladen-Schneider LS9 is an 18 metre single-seat motor glider launched in 2000 by Rolladen-Schneider. 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 two-stroke engine. Production of this engine was discontinued by Rotax, putting the LS9 project on hold pending the development of a suitable engine.

The Solo 2625 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, having nearly 100% commonality with the Schempp Hirth Ventus CM 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 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.

pecifications

aerospecs
ref=
met or eng?= met

crew=Two
capacity=
length m=6.84
length ft=22
length in=5
span m=18.00
span ft=59
span in=1
swept m=
swept ft=
swept in=
rot number=
rot dia m=
rot dia ft=
rot dia in=
dia m=
dia ft=
dia in=
width m=
width ft=
width in=
height m=1.43
height ft=4
height in=8
wing area sqm=11.4
wing area sqft=123
swept area sqm=
swept area sqft=
rot area sqm=
rot area sqft=
volume m3=
volume ft3=
aspect ratio= 28.4
empty weight kg=ca. 350
empty weight lb=770
gross weight kg=525
gross weight lb=1,155
lift kg=
lift lb=

eng1 number=1
eng1 type=Solo 2625
eng1 kw= 41
eng1 hp= 55
eng1 kn=
eng1 lbf=
eng1 kn-ab=
eng1 lbf-ab=
eng2 number=
eng2 type=
eng2 kw=
eng2 hp=
eng2 kn=
eng2 lbf=
eng2 kn-ab=
eng2 lbf-ab=

max speed kmh=270
max speed mph=170
max speed mach=
cruise speed kmh=
cruise speed mph=
range km=550
range miles=340
endurance h=
endurance min=
ceiling m=
ceiling ft=
glide ratio= >47
climb rate ms=4.0
climb rate ftmin=780
sink rate ms= 0.58
sink rate ftmin= 114

armament1=
armament2=
armament3=
armament4=
armament5=
armament6= aircontent
see also=
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References

* [http://www.ls-flugzeugbau.de/index-e.html LS-Flugzeugbau website]
* [http://asa.thixo.com/Back_issues/2002MarApr.pdf Newsletter of the Auxiliary Powered Sailplane Association]
* [http://www.solairecanada.com/ls9.htm Website of LS dealer Solaire Canada]
*Thomas F, Fundamentals of Sailplane Design, College Park Press, 1999
*Ewald J, Flight Test of the LS-9, Sailplane and Gliding, Oct. 2000