LS8-s - High performance glider
model enhancements by DG Flugzeugbau
The LS8 no longer needs any introduction - after all, over the past few years it has been the most frequently sold standard class glider. The recent takeover of LS Flugzeugbau sparked the ambition amongst our engineers to enhance this outstanding product even further.
The LS8-s was born!
The following enhancements will be implemented with the start of production at DG Flugzeugbau:
1. reinforced wing structure for a higher max. take-off weight of 575kg in the 18m version
2. comfortably sprung and retractable undercarriage, enlarged to 5 inches for easier ground handling
3. side trim with integrated pocket
4. battery boxes under the seat - leaves more room for luggage
5. canopy cover and water ballast funnel as standard
6. options for
- leather trim
- NOAH rescue system
- solar panel (glued to the top of the fuselage or recessed)
- polyurethane finish
Let me explain the above points:
With the LS8-s you will now have the option to fly it in 15m, 18m mode or interchangeably in either mode. The customer can order either the 15m winglets, the 18m extensions or both wingtip variants. The increased max. take-off weight of 575kg was done for the 18m version.
The bigger wheel is necessary for this increased max. take-off weight. It also provides added comfort and protects your spine, plus it makes the ground handling easier.
Regarding the Piggott hook - I should not have to explain the Piggott hook anymore. Accidents due to inadvertently opened airbrakes are totally unnecessary and should be a thing of the past.
The fact that the whole glider will be a bit "prettier" is not a bad thing either.
In the future, LS gliders will have the same high-quality finish as DG owners are used to from DG Flugzeugbau.
LS8-sc/-tc 2010 version
Since there is a steady demand so for the LS8, the next production batch aimed for delivery early 2010, will have some improvements. These have already been introduced on the LS10.
- The wheel brake will be actuated – as in the LS10 – with the air brake lever. This will also improve leg and foot room.
- a Piggott Hook will avoid the unexpected opening of the air brakes.
- the parking brake keeps the glider secured even in strong wind conditions.
- Option for sunken fitting of additional battery or ELT in the baggage compartment
- The fuel tank will be slightly smaller, making the luggage area slightly larger
- tail wheel is standard as well as Prantl-M-Adapter in the fin.
- Improved cockpit design as in the LS10, including ergonomic improvements like e.g. the fact that the water ballast fittings are not exposed in the cockpit but have been covered up, and the seat pan is 10mm wider.
- indicator, if a battery is installed in the fin
- rudder made of GFK for easier repairs
- Of course we have introduced the Mandl-Air Extractor for further improved performance.
- Since the Turbo version is dominating the demand we have decided only to deliver the version which is prepared for motor installation (already introduced on the LS10.) For that the fuselage is made of carbon fibre and the type name is "c".
Orders received during the fall of 2009 can be delivered early 2010.
LS8-tc - the turbo version
Of course, this is a complete LS8sc - with the additional well-known engine. The LS8-tc will be delivered with 18m wingtips as standard. The 15m winglets will be available as an option.
If you want to buy such a glider in two steps, as a standard we deliver the LS8-sc without the engine, but fully prepared to accommodate one. What this means is that the engine compartment always is already laminated into the fuselage but remains invisible from the outside. To fit the engine at a later stage the compartment can easily cut open, the doors fitted and the engine put in.
This method to get an LS8-s-Turbo is admittedly a bit more expensive than the direct order of the finished product, but it might be an attractive option for some customers.
Here is a new flyer for the LS8:
LS8-sc-e.pdf
and here is the Equipment List to fill out by yourself:
LS8-sc ARL-english
Main Gear Load Test for the uploaded LS8-s with 575KG MTWO
Here you see the test equipment in our final assembly hall.
They made different tests. You see that one with 375 KG only. You can see how much the wheel is already pressed together!
| | | |
...and here is a movie (2,9 MB in size)
