Design Excellence and Competition Heritage
Gerhard Waibel's design philosophy for the ASW-28E centered on extracting maximum performance from the 15-meter wingspan limitation imposed by FAI Standard Class regulations. The aircraft emerged as a direct successor to the successful ASW-24, incorporating advanced fiber-reinforced composite construction throughout its structure. Waibel, who joined Schleicher in 1964 and revolutionized the company's transition to modern materials, created an airframe that delivered competition-winning performance while maintaining docile handling characteristics.
The ASW-28E's aerodynamic refinement became evident in its ability to compete directly with established rivals including the Rolladen-Schneider LS8 and Schempp-Hirth Discus-2. Large ailerons extending across nearly half the wingspan provide exceptional roll response, while the laminar-flow wing section maintains its efficiency across a wide speed range from the 39-knot stall speed to the 146-knot maximum velocity.
Motorized Variant Innovation
The "E" designation identifies the motorized variant, equipped with a SOLO 2350 two-stroke engine producing 18 horsepower at 4,200 rpm. This powerplant drives a two-blade propeller through a direct-drive system, with the entire installation retracting completely into the fuselage via an electrical spindle mechanism. The engine features a decompression valve enabling reliable air-starts and integrates with a single-lever control system mounted on the left cockpit wall.
With the engine extended, the ASW-28E achieves a climb rate exceeding 2.3 knots, providing pilots with genuine self-launch capability rather than mere sustainer performance. The 13.5-kilowatt powerplant weighs approximately 55 pounds complete with the retraction mechanism, representing a minimal penalty for the operational flexibility it provides. Optional solar panels can recharge the aircraft's electrical system during flight, extending operational endurance for cross-country soaring.
Manufacturing Legacy
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. has maintained continuous sailplane production since 1927, making it the world's oldest manufacturer in the sector. Following Alexander Schleicher's founding of the company, production continued through various ownership changes until Winfried Schleicher retired in 1993, transferring leadership to his sister Hedwig Kremer. The company survived the post-World War II aircraft construction ban, resuming operations on April 28, 1951, when Allied authorities again permitted German sailplane manufacturing.
The ASW-28E production run began in 2000 and continues today, with manufacturing taking place at the company's German facility. Each aircraft requires extensive hand-crafting due to the precision demands of composite construction and the complex retractable engine installation. Quality control standards reflect the aircraft's competition heritage, with many examples serving pilots in world championships and national contests.
Pilot Experience and Performance
Pilots consistently praise the ASW-28E's balanced control harmony and predictable stall characteristics. The cockpit accommodates pilots up to 6 feet 4 inches in height within the 25-inch-wide interior, with excellent visibility through the single-piece canopy. Standard instrumentation includes basic flight instruments, with modern examples typically equipped with advanced variometers and GPS navigation systems.
Cruising performance centers around 62 knots for optimal glide ratio, though the aircraft maintains respectable efficiency across a speed range from 50 to 100 knots. The minimum sink rate of 1.8 feet per second occurs at approximately 45 knots, making the ASW-28E particularly effective in weak thermal conditions. Maximum gross weight reaches 1,157 pounds, accommodating pilots up to 220 pounds plus ballast for optimizing wing loading in strong conditions.
Operational Service and Legacy
The ASW-28E serves primarily in the international competition gliding community, with examples competing in world championships and national contests across Europe, North America, and Australia. Gliding clubs operate the type for advanced pilot training and cross-country instruction, while individual owners use the aircraft for recreational soaring and badge flights. The motorized capability makes the ASW-28E particularly attractive to pilots operating from airports without dedicated glider towing services.
More than 150 ASW-28 variants have entered service since 2000, establishing the design as one of the most successful modern Standard Class gliders. The aircraft's combination of pure sailplane performance with self-launch capability created a new category that influenced subsequent designs from competing manufacturers. Today, ASW-28E examples regularly appear at major soaring competitions worldwide, testament to the design's enduring competitiveness more than two decades after its introduction.