Grob G104 Speed Astir
The Grob G 104, better known under the name Speed Astir is a single-seat capacity aircraft in the 15 - m- racing class.
History
Manufacturer Grob Aerospace was in Mindelheim. The Speed Astir was in the versions Speed Astir II and IIb ( factory no. 4029 ) built the IIb has a longer fuselage nose. Thus, the cockpit offers considerably more space than that of the relatively narrow Speed Astir II
Looking at the used aircraft market, a Speed Astir about 50% cheaper than a three to five years younger LS4. Most speed Astire were built 1979/1980.
Construction
The Grob G 104 has some interesting details on how, for example, continuously adjustable flaps, an indication of the flaps in the airspeed indicator and so-called flaperons, ie flaps and ailerons ( flaps and ailerons ) are superimposed in their movement within certain limits, to the effect to increase. Another special feature is the harzten flexible gap covers on the wing tops to the rudder seal (Elastic Flaps ). Due to the almost prone position very relaxed and long flights are possible. The fully glazed nose section is a very good view, despite the high instrument panel.
Use
Performance-wise, the Grob G was 104 (Speed Astir ) with the other former aircraft in the racing class (15 -m FAI) comparable. Since the flaps are not moved when the aileron deflections (except for the Speed Astir IIb), the Speed Astir is slightly less maneuverable than other aircraft in its class in contrast to the Speed Astir IIb. After a little practice the Speed Astir is a quite equivalent aircraft, which at speeds above 120 km / h significantly lower rate of descent than a LS3A, LS4 or similar gliders.
The glide ratio is about 41, compared with the popular LS4 shows the Grob G 104 products similar services. It also has a comparable index of 105 ( LS4: 104) in the gliding index list.