LET L-23

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The LET L23 SUPER - BLANIK sailplane is a cantilever, high-wing, two-seat glider of all-metal structure. This aircraft is primarily used for flight training.

[edit] Basic Dimensions

Wing Span: 16.2 m (53.15 ft) [with the wingtip extensions installed: 18.2 m (59.71 ft)]
Length: 8.5 m (27.89 ft)
Height: 1.9 m (6.23 ft)
Wing area: 19.15 m² (206.13sq ft) [with the wingtip extensions installed): 20.00 m² (215.27 sq ft)]
Aspect Ratio: 13.7 -[With the wingtip extensions installed): 16.6]
Mean aerodynamic chord: 1.253 m (4.11 ft).

[edit] Description

This aircraft has a two-piece canopy, where the first part opens to the right, and the second part open upwards and to the rear (from serial No. 96-8401 it was delivered with a one-piece canopy, that opens to the right). The maximum number of occupants is two. If the sailplane is to be flown solo, the pilot must be sitting in the front seat and his weight (including parachute and ballast) must be at least 70 kg (154 lb). If the pilot's weight is less than 70 kg (154 lb), it is necessary to use ballast to bring the total weight in the front to at least 70 kg (154 lb). A weighted cushion weighing 15 kg (33 lb) is available to replace the soft seat cushion bottom in the front seat. Additional ballast may need to be added to bring the total to at least 70 kg (154 lb).

The L-23 SUPER - BLANIK is a much improved version of the original LET L-13 Blanik. Not only did it get new wings without flaps (to save weight, as they were rarely used), but LET also moved the tailplane to the top of the vertical stabilizer for better protection in case of outlanding. It also has a new instrument-suite and a new two-piece canopy (with different framing from that on the original L-13) to improve vision.