I sold my ASW27B last week and made an agreement this week to
purchase a JS1CJ. It has interchangeable wing tips with two spans. The 21m Open
configuration has a max L/D 60:1. The photo is of it in 18m configuration with
L/D max 53:1. The photo also shows the turbine sustainer deployed- a little jet
that works with either span.
It is designed to get you somewhere if you need to or get home late if you make
a dumb mistake. It’s not designed with enough size to self-launch although you
can do so on a long runway. Turbine has a range of 150 miles using sawtooth
method of a few climbs at 73 knots indicated and then glides. Flies level at 104
knots indicated cruising speed with turbine but uses more fuel which reduces
range to about 90-100 miles. Diesel or Jet fuel both OK. One switch deploys and
starts the turbine or shuts it and retracts when you’re done with it. Another
knob for variable thrust. Very simple and reliable. No drag when stowed, very
little when deployed.
This design really goes well at high speeds and with the polyhedral, handles and
climbs beautifully. With water ballast in the wings it gets up to 720 kg MAUW so
lots of inertia for dynamic soaring maneuvers.
