Schleicher ASW 19

Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co · Germany · first flew 1975 · glider

The Schleicher ASW 19 is a high-performance single-seat Standard-class glider that dominated European competitions in the late 1970s. Its glide ratio of approximately 40:1 placed it among the best 15m sailplanes of its era.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × none, embedded-mounted
F — Fuselage	Very slender fuselage with small cockpit canopy
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Unpowered sailplane — no engine
Standard-class 15m competition glider with conventional swept fin
Very slender fuselage with small cockpit canopy

Very similar in outline to the ASW 20 but shorter; distinguished by the conventional (non-T) tail, slender fuselage, and the absence of winglets. Slightly shorter than the ASW 20 with a less pronounced wing sweep.

Specifications

The Schleicher ASW 19 has a length of 6.73 m (22 ft).
It has a wingspan of 15 m (49 ft).
Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Designed by Gerhard Waibel and first flown in 1975, the ASW 19 was the definitive Standard-class racer of its generation, winning the 1976 World Gliding Championships. Production ran into the early 1980s with over 500 built.

Variants

The ASW 19B introduced minor structural refinements and improved water-ballast system; both variants are identical in external appearance.

Where you'll see it

Popular in private ownership across Europe; a significant number remain on the British BGA register and fly regularly at Club and Regional competitions.

Related aircraft

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