Winglet

[Eduardo L. Brunialti]

I would like to hear from some  who has installed winglets in the W 15  in terms of performance increase, and supliers avaiables.

thank you in advance.


brunialti

[Gerry Whitson]

The winglets on my ASW-15 where added in September, 1999 by Nelson Sailplane Services, Grand Haven MI  USA.  The FAA 337 that was
approved states:  

Addition of winglets at the wing tips of similar design as found on the ASW-24 and ASW-27 models of single plance sailplanes by the same
manufacturer.  The winglets are mounted on the center of gravity and
cause no effective change to the location of center of gravity.  Total weight of the winglets is 3.17 pounds.

The winglets are of identical design as winglets installed on an ASW12, which resulted in a reduction of over 5 knots in stall speed and much improved aileron effectiveness at low air speeds.
They were tested on the ASW12 at 53 knowts over the redline speed of the ASW-15 with no flutter or other undesireable effects.

I hope this helps.  gerry

[Eduardo L. Brunialti]

Thank you Gerry;

I understand that winglets have effect in low speed  and little effect in hi speeds. What about sink rate and L/d? Does it change with winglets?
How much?

[Gerry Whitson]

Brunialti, I have no stats on sink rate or L/D changes.
I think low speed handling is the big benefit and they
look good  .  gerry