Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co
ASH 26E
The ASH 26E is a high‑performance single‑seat glider produced by Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co., the German sailplane pioneer founded in 1927. Developed from the successful ASH 26 series first flown in 1995, the ‘E’ variant entered production in 2005, incorporating a state‑of‑the‑art electric ballast system that replaces traditional water tanks. This innovation reduces pilot workload during thermalling and provides precise centre‑of‑gravity adjustments, improving climb rates and cross‑country speed.
Key features include a 15‑metre wing span with carbon‑fiber reinforced ribs, an advanced wing‑let design, and a sleek glass‑fibre fuselage finished in a low‑drag, laminar‑flow profile. The cockpit offers ergonomic instrumentation, a digital variometer, and a fully integrated flight‑data recorder. The ASH 26E’s glide ratio exceeds 44:1, and its minimum sink rate is among the best in the 15‑metre class, making it a favourite for competition pilots.
Its significance lies in pioneering electric ballast technology, setting a new standard for efficiency and performance in modern gliding. The aircraft’s blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting‑edge composites has helped maintain Schleicher’s reputation as a leader in sailplane design, influencing subsequent models such as the ASG 32 and the Arcus.
Key features include a 15‑metre wing span with carbon‑fiber reinforced ribs, an advanced wing‑let design, and a sleek glass‑fibre fuselage finished in a low‑drag, laminar‑flow profile. The cockpit offers ergonomic instrumentation, a digital variometer, and a fully integrated flight‑data recorder. The ASH 26E’s glide ratio exceeds 44:1, and its minimum sink rate is among the best in the 15‑metre class, making it a favourite for competition pilots.
Its significance lies in pioneering electric ballast technology, setting a new standard for efficiency and performance in modern gliding. The aircraft’s blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting‑edge composites has helped maintain Schleicher’s reputation as a leader in sailplane design, influencing subsequent models such as the ASG 32 and the Arcus.
