Rolladen-Schneider LS9

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**Rolladen-Schneider LS9**
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Type designation	LS9
Competition class	18 metre
Number built	10
Crew	1
Length	6.84 m
Height	1.43 m
Cockpit width	0.64 m
Cockpit height	0.83 m
Wingspan	18 m
Wing area	11.40 m²
Aspect ratio	28.42
Wing profile	FX 81-K-130 FX 81-K-148
Empty mass	ca. 350 kg fully equipped
Maximum mass	525 kg
Wing loading	ca. 37 - 46 kg/m²
Maximum speed	270 km/h
Maneuver speed	190 km/h
Minimum sink	ca. 0.58 m/s at 480 kg
Glide ratio	> 47
Roll rate	ca. 4.5 s at 95 km/h (-45º to +45º)
Engine type	Solo 2625 2 cylinder 2 stroke
Engine power	ca. 55 hp
Fuel tank	23 litres
Take-off run	ca. 200 m (450 kg, ISA) 350 m (525 kg, 1500 m, 30º OAT)
Distance to clear 15 m obstacle	ca. 300 (450 kg, ISA) 510 m (525 kg, 1500 m, 30º OAT)
Climb rate	3.5 - 4.0 m/s (sea level) 2.0 - 2.3 m/s (at 3000 m)
Best climb speed	90 km/h at 470 kg
Range in 'saw-tooth' operation	ca. 550 km

The Rolladen-Schneider LS9 is an 18 metre single-seat motorglider launched in 2000 by Rolladen-Schneider. Production ended after just 10 gliders were built, when Rolladen-Schneider went into receivership.

[edit] History

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.

[edit] General description

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.