Eta (glider)

The eta is a German-Italian Open Class two-seater flapped self-launching glider manufactured by ETA Aircraft. It is the highest performing glider.^[1]

Early flights

On July 31, 2000, in Cochstedt, Germany, the eta made its first flight reaching a height of 2 meters. The second flight was the first aerotow flight, reaching 1500 metres. The third flight was self powered and had no problems. The official presentation was on August 1.

Production

Three etas have been manufactured. The second prototype was extensively damaged in 2003 during the spin tests required for the type certification but both pilots parachuted to safety. The prototype was repaired and the tests completed successfully.

The glider will be produced by hand, at a rate of about three per year.

Development

Eta is an example of a trend in glider development in which private pilots initiate the development of new open class gliders. The private development of the Concordia sailplane promises a further elevation of lift-drag (l/D) ratio of several points.

Operational history

Eta participated in a World Championship for the first time in 2003 at Leszno. The pilot Janusz Centka achieved an overall second place. Good placings have also been achieved by eta in later competitions. The glider is however hampered by the weight limitation in the Open Class, which does not allow it to fly with a sufficiently high wingloading in strong weather, to the advantage of its opponents.

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: Two
• Length: 9.84 m (32 ft 3 in)
• Wingspan: 30.90 m (101 ft 5 in)
• Wing area: 18.6 m² (200 ft²)
• Aspect ratio: 51.3
• Empty weight: 600 kg (1,320 lb)
• Gross weight: 850 kg (1,870 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Solo 2625, 47 kW (63 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 280 km/h (175 mph)
• Maximum glide ratio: 72 ^{[citation needed]}

See also

Related lists

• List of gliders

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Eta (aircraft).

• ETA-Aircraft webpage