LAK-17
UAB Sportinė aviacija · Lithuania · first flew 1992 · glider
The LAK-17 is a high-performance single-seat competition glider manufactured by UAB Sportinė aviacija in Lithuania, designed for Standard and 15-Metre class glider competition. It is the culmination of the Lithuanian LAK glider series.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.78 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unpowered sailplane — no engine
- High-performance Lithuanian glider with T-tail
- Fibreglass competition sailplane in 15m and 18m spans
A sleek fibreglass glider with a slim fuselage, T-tail, and high-aspect-ratio tapered wings with upturned winglets; the small cockpit canopy and clean underside are typical of modern competition sailplanes.
Specifications
- The LAK-17 has a length of 6.78 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15 m (49 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 270 km/h (168 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The LAK-17 first flew in 1992 and has been developed continuously since, with the LAK-17A and LAK-17B variants refining the design. Lithuania has a strong glider manufacturing tradition and the LAK series has been exported to competitors in Europe and beyond. The LAK-17B is competitive at World Gliding Championship level.
Variants
The LAK-17A was the initial refined variant; the LAK-17B is the current production version with improved winglets and systems; an 18m wingspan version is available for the 18-Metre class.
Where you'll see it
Used by private glider pilots and clubs worldwide in competition and cross-country soaring; not in military service.
Related aircraft
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