| BS-1 | |
|---|---|
| BS-1 | |
| Role | Glider |
| National origin | West Germany |
| Manufacturer | Glasflügel |
| Designer | Björn Stender |
| Introduction | 1962 |
| Status | Production ended 1969 |
| Produced | 1964-1969 |
| Number built | 20, including two prototypes |
The Glasflügel BS-1, sometimes called the Björn Stender BS-1 or the Stender BS-1, is a West German, high-wing, single seat, T-tailed, FAI Open Class glider that was designed by Björn Stender and produced by Glasflügel.[1][2]
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The prototype BS-1 was designed by Stender. Two prototypes were built by him and his three assistants in 1962. He was then a young engineering student and designed the aircraft at the request of a South African sailplane pilot and industrialist, producing a design that was very advanced for its time. While the designer was test flying of one of the prototypes in 1963 the aircraft suffered an in-flight structural failure and Stender was killed. Glasflügel then took over the project and re-engineered the design, based on their experience producing the Glasflügel H-301 Libelle. The company went on to build 18 production aircraft.[1][2]
The BS-1 is constructed entirely from fiberglass and features an 18.0 m (59.1 ft) wing with flaps and dive brakes. For further glidepath control the BS-1 has a tail-mounted parachute. The landing gear is a retractable monowheel.[1][2]
The designation of the aircraft BS-1 indicates the designer Björn Stender and that this was his first design.[2]
A planned improved model, the BS-1b, was never produced.[2]
The BS-1 was considered one of the first soaring "super ships" and was one of the most high-performing gliders of its time, the mid-1960s. Alfred Rohm of West Germany flew a BS-1 to a world 300 km (186 mi) speed record of 135.3 km/h (84 mph) in 1967. Terry Thys of San Leandro, California flew a BS-1 on a 917 km (570 mi) flight in 1970. At that time it was the third-longest soaring flight ever made.[1][2]
Data from Sailplane Directory and Soaring[1][2]
General characteristics
Performance
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