Rolladen-Schneider LS6
Rolladen-Schneider Flugzeugbau · Germany · first flew 1983 · glider
The Rolladen-Schneider LS6 is a single-seat Standard-class competition glider with a glide ratio around 43:1, designed as a direct successor to the LS4. It was a leading Standard-class racer through the mid-to-late 1980s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Clean mid-mounted wing with LS-family characteristic narrowing fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unpowered sailplane — no engine
- 15m Standard-class glider with T-tail and upturned wingtips
- Clean mid-mounted wing with LS-family characteristic narrowing fuselage
Identified by the T-tail, slightly upswept wingtips without full winglets, and the narrow, streamlined LS-family fuselage. Shorter than the LS8 and lacks the LS8's pronounced winglets.
Specifications
- The Rolladen-Schneider LS6 has a length of 6.62 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15 m (49 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 260 km/h (162 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by Wolf Lemke's Rolladen-Schneider company and first flown in 1983, the LS6 benefited from experience with the LS4 and featured an improved wing section and refined fuselage. It won the 1985 World Championships in the Standard class.
Variants
The LS6-b introduced aerodynamic refinements; the LS6-c improved the aileron system. The LS7 succeeded it with a 15m wing optimised for the new Standard class rules.
Where you'll see it
Many remain in private ownership and club fleets across Europe, including BGA-registered examples in the UK. The LS6 remains competitive at club and regional level.
Related aircraft
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