ASW 15 (oz6952)

About this Plan

Schleicher ASW 15. Radio control sailplane model. Wingspan 3m. Optional power pod shown. This kit included a moulded fibreglass fuselage, so no formers are shown.

Quote: "True-to-scale model (1:5) with prefabricated glass-fibre reinfrced plastic fuselage, transparent cockpit and rudder. Rudder trimmers and wing connections are pre-formed. The fuselage wil accept 2-4 or 6 channel R/C. An engine pod can easily be fitted to the wing. Engine .09 to .15. Wings constructed with or without ailerons, are connected to fuselage with aluminum bolts. Kit contains fuselage, instrument panel, die-stamped wooden components, metal parts, etc. Plans and description with enlarged drawings. Sugg retail $74.95."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Update 04/06/2019: Added supplement PDF with exploded parts view, thanks to ArminMeyer.

Update 05/06/2019: Added materials list (in German), thanks to ArminMeyer.

Update 4/12/2021: Added kit review from RCM&E, June 1974, thanks to RFJ.

Quote: "RCM&E Kit Review: Schuco-Hegi ASW 15, by Andy Grimbly.

The Kit: The Schuco-Hegi ASW15 is a 1/5th scale model of the German standard class (15 metre) sailplane produced in typical German tradition, with all parts numbered clearly. The die cutting is really excellent, requiring only the very lightest effort to remove the components from the sheets, while the ply parts needed only slightly more persuasion. Quality of the balsa is without doubt the best I have ever come across in a kit, looking as though it may have been selected by hand, the components being almost perfectly matched.

The fuselage is nicely produced in glass reinforced plastic finished in white, although a little heavy at 22 oz in its bare state. All necessary hardware for the radio installation (rudder and elevator) are provided together with transfers, canopy, undercarriage wheel, balsa cement, contact adhesive, and tissue, and a superbly produced set of drawings and exploded view. The most disappointing part of this kit is the instruction sheet which is hardly adequate for a model of this complexity. However, this is worthwhile reading if only to arrive at the parts list at the end of this three-page pamphlet.

Comparing the model drawings with that of the full-size machine (kindly loaned by London Sailplanes Ltd of Dunstable) I found that the kit has been manufactured to a very acceptable scale standard. It would no doubt, make a very good Class 2 scale sailplane.

Flying: As this model's flying performance was so impressive I have decided to write about its characteristics while I am still excited with its performance. The first few flights were made from a flat site (being better for landings with untried models), using a 150 metre bungy in a wind of about 5 m.p.h. As was to be expected of a scale glider, it flew very fast, even at neutral elevator trim setting, rather like a slope type pylon racer. I suppose this is the result of the very clean lines copied from the full-size machine.

The elevator control needed quite a considerable amount of up movement, to slow the model down to a reasonable speed before making an attempt at landing. Although, it was balanced correctly at the CG indicated on the plan, some 7 oz of lead was removed before a satisfactory trim was attained, enabling the speed to be controlled on the elevator trim, ie neutral elevator for a fairly fast glide, full down for a very fast glide and full up for a glide just above the stall speed.

Controllability of the model is generally very good, although the ailerons leave a bit to be desired at the slower speeds, but when used in conjunction with the rudder at the slow speeds there is sufficiently effective control. At speeds above neutral trim ailerons are very good, although better turns are still obtained again by using rudder and ailerons together. Excellent earole turns (gliding term meaning 360° tight turn) can be initiated by using these functions together, don't forget to fly at least two mistakes high when trying this manoeuvre for the first time though.

Loops proved very easy with the ASW 15. It is only necessary to apply a small amount of down elevator to gain speed, followed by about two-thirds up elevator. The revived model did not even need to be flown around the loop and consecutive loops can he performed in the same manner.

Rudder: Rudder control is very effective and the model will fly adequately well on rudder and elevator only!

Spoilers: As can be seen from the photographs, spoilers were fitted to this review model. These were obtained from Model Flight Accessories and proved to be more or less scale in size and operation although designed for a thicker wing. The spoilers have been tried and proved to be very effective although as yet I have had no need to use them owing to the good flying characteristics of the model.

Slope soaring performance is very good. Even in a wind of only 8 m.p.h. it was possible to gain height without too much effort. Penetration in strong winds over 20 mph is without doubt the best I have ever seen in a slope soarer.

Construction: As it says in the instructions, a certain amount of experience is necessary to build the ASW 15, but the majority of the building can be done without the assistance of the instructions.

Wings: The ribs 68-71 are laminated from balsa and these have to be drilled to accept the 3/8 bore steel tube and the 3/16 bore brass tube for the wing fixings. To do this, I would recommend making an aluminium drilling template to part No. 136 which is the plywood root rib. It will also be useful for drilling the same holes in the fuselage and I would add that this operation must be carried out accurately. If ailerons are to be fitted it will be necessary to drill the appropriate push rod holes in ribs 70-89. These positions are marked in the ribs at the required centres. The rest of the wing is fairly straightforward, but before sheeting the wing I would be inclined to leave the bare framework for a few days to allow the timber to settle down into its natural position.

The wings can then be finished by adding the wing mount tubes (bond these with Araldite, 24 hrs drying time), after which, the spar webs can be added together with the linkages and finally the sheeting..."

Update 6/1/2025: Added kit instructions, thanks to Hubert.

Quote: "Dear Outerzone, let me wish you a happy new year and all the best for the upcoming 2025... Please find attached the building instructions in German and English for the above mentioned plan. Regards, Hubert"

Supplementary file notes

Exploded parts view.
Instructions.
Materials list.
Review.

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