Engineering:Schreder HP-15

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Short description: American glider
HP-15
Role Standard-class sailplane
National origin United States
Manufacturer Homebuilt
Designer Richard Schreder
First flight ca. 1969
Number built 1[1]

The Schreder HP-15 sailplane prototype was designed by Richard Schreder as a personal mount in which to challenge the 1969 U.S. National Soaring Championships.[1][2]

Design and development

With an extreme 33:1 aspect ratio and a relatively low empty weight, the HP-15 was expected to generate less induced drag and therefore higher performance. The type achieved excellent glide ratios in fast flight, but had disappointing climbing ability, due to extensive flow separation on the upper wing surfaces during slow flight and Schreder and the HP-15 finished in 65th place. After the Championships Schreder re-winged the fuselage to produce his next design, the HP-16.[1][2]

Operational history

In the April 2011 the sole HP-15 prototype, registered N5488, still existed and was privately registered in Peoria, Illinois.[3]

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: One
  • Length: 22 ft 10 in (6.95 m)
  • Wingspan: 49 ft 3 in (15.0 m)
  • Wing area: 72 sq ft (7.0 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 33
  • Empty weight: 330 lb (150 kg)
  • Gross weight: 600 lb (272 kg)

Performance

  • Rate of sink: 98 ft/min (0.49 m/s)

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Activate Media (2006). "HP-15 HP Aircraft, LLC". Archived from the original on 2007-06-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20070608194047/http://www.sailplanedirectory.com/PlaneDetails.cfm?planeID=163. Retrieved 2009-03-22. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 20. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (April 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=5488. Retrieved 17 April 2011.