LAK Genesis 2

The Genesis 2 is a Standard Class competition glider that was designed by an American team led by Jerry Mercer and was produced in Lithuania. It is notable in having almost no rear fuselage. However it is not tailless because it has a small all-moving tailplane on top of the fin. The tailplane is mainly a trimmer rather than for longitudinal stability.

Development

During development it was found that carbon rods formed by the 'pultrusion' process could be used to provide a stronger spar. This technique has subsequently been applied to other LAK aircraft. The nosewheel was also made retractable and the wing washout was reduced. The production aircraft with these modifications which flew in 1998 were called 'Genesis 2'. There was a breakdown in relations between the American design group and the manufacturers, and so production was stopped after 27 had been made.

Specifications (Genesis 2)

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Length: 4.828 m (15 ft 9 in)
• Wingspan: 15 m (49 ft 3 in)
• Height: 2.21 m (7 ft 3 in)
• Wing area: 11.25 m² (120 ft²)
• Aspect ratio: 20.2
• Empty weight: 240 kg (530 lb)
• Gross weight: 525 kg (1157 lb) each each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 276 km/h (171.5 mph)
• Stall speed: 75 km/h (46.6 mph)
• G limits: +5.55 to -3.55
• Maximum glide ratio: 44
• Rate of sink: 0.58 m/s (115 ft/min)

References

• Simons, Martin (2004). Sailplanes 1965 - 2000. Germany: Eqip. p. 272. 

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sportinė Aviacija.

• LAK web-site