Akaflieg Stuttgart fs24 Phönix

The Akaflieg Stuttgart FS‑24 Phönix is a single‑seat, high‑performance glider developed in the early 1950s by the student group of the University of Stuttgart, Akademische Fliegergruppe (Akaflieg) Stuttgart. Its aerodynamic design was largely the work of Richard Eppler, a renowned aerodynamics professor and author, who applied his pioneering laminar‑flow airfoil concepts to achieve unprecedented glide ratios for the era. First flown in 1951, the FS‑24 featured a slender wooden fuselage, a 15‑metre wingspan with a distinctive tapered planform, and Eppler’s N‑L airfoil sections that minimized drag while maintaining gentle stall characteristics. The aircraft employed a retractable monowheel undercarriage and an all‑metal skeletal wing structure covered with plywood and fabric, combining lightweight construction with structural rigidity. Though only a handful were built, the Phönix quickly proved its capabilities in national contests, topping the German gliding championships in 1953 and influencing subsequent Akaflieg designs such as the FS‑25 and the world‑renowned Schleicher ASK‑21. Its legacy lies in demonstrating the practical benefits of laminar‑flow theory, shaping modern sailplane wing design and cementing Eppler’s reputation as a pioneer of high‑efficiency aerodynamics. Today the FS‑24 remains a celebrated example of post‑war innovation.

Richard Eppler

Akaflieg Stuttgart fs24 Phönix

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Design & Classification