Start + Flug Globetrotter

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

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

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

Data from Hardy 1982[1]

General characteristics

Performance



References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Hardy, Michael (1982). Gliders & Sailplanes of the World. London: Ian Allen 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.

External links

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