Civil Aviation Department Mrigasheer

The Civil Aviation Department Mrigasheer (मृगशिरा - "Orion") was a standard-class sailplane developed in India in the 1970s. It was an orthodox design with a high wing, slender, tapering fuselage, and conventional empennage. Construction was wooden throughout. The original HS-1 flew in 1970 and was followed in 1973 by the refined HS-2 design. This differed from its predecessor in having slotted flaps instead of airbrakes, and a completely redesigned tail. The HS-2 prototype placed second in the national gliding championships only a month after its first flight.

Specifications (HS-2)

General characteristics

• Crew: One pilot
• Length: 7.59 m (24 ft 11 in)
• Wingspan: 15.00 m (49 ft 3 in)
• Height: 2.50 m (8 ft 3 in)
• Wing area: 11.2 m² (121 ft²)
• Aspect ratio: 19.9
• Empty weight: 237 kg (522 lb)
• Gross weight: 335 kg (739 lb)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 213 km/h (133 mph)
• Maximum glide ratio: 32
• Rate of sink: 0.6 m/s (120 ft/min)

References

• Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. pp. 255. 
• Hardy, Michael (1982). Gliders and Sailplanes of the World. Shepperton: Ian Allan. pp. 53. 
• Coates, Andrew (1978). Jane's World Sailplanes and Motor Gliders. London: MacDonald and Jane's. pp. 103. 

See also