Wassmer Squale
Wassmer · France · first flew 1967 · glider
The Wassmer Squale was a French glider of the late 1960s, notable for being one of the early French sailplanes to employ fiberglass composite construction rather than traditional wood. It represented a significant step forward in French sailplane technology.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unpowered sailplane — no engine
- French two-seat fiberglass glider
- Late-1960s club trainer and cross-country glider
A clean mid-wing fiberglass sailplane with a smooth moulded fuselage and high aspect-ratio wings, distinguishable from earlier wooden Wassmer types by its composite surface finish.
Specifications
- The Wassmer Squale has a length of 8 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17 m (56 ft).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed and built at Issoire by Wassmer, the Squale benefited from the new fiberglass moulding techniques that were transforming glider design in the 1960s. It offered improved performance over earlier wooden types and attracted attention from French aero-clubs seeking modern equipment. The type sold in useful numbers for the domestic market.
Variants
The Squale was produced as a single-seat type; Wassmer's broader range included the related two-seat Bijave for club training.
Where you'll see it
Operated by French soaring clubs from the late 1960s onward; some examples continued flying into the 1980s.
Related aircraft
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