The Schleicher AS 33 is a German glider manufactured by Alexander Schleicher.^[1] The prototype had its maiden flight from Huhnrain Airport, Poppenhausen near Frankfurt on 23 January 2020.^[2][3][4] The design can be flown in the 18 metre class or in the 15 metre class.^[2]

The AS 33 is based upon the ASG 29, with a totally new wing with an 18 m (59 ft) span and 10 m² (110 sq ft) area, which optimizes the airflow around the fuselage/wing transition as well as at the wingtips. The AS 33 is a single-seat, mid-wing sailplane of composite construction, with a T-tail.^[2] To fly in the FAI 15m class, a second pair of outer wings is available. The separation point for the outer wings is at 5.1m along the span.^[5]

The glider has upward extending three-tier air-brakes and independently switchable electrical valves for the water ballast tanks in the inner and outer wings. The main wheel has a disc brake. The main wheel and the tail-wheel are retractable.^[5]

Schleicher no longer includes the designer's initial in the glider's designation.^[6]

• AS 33: Pure sailplane, without any engine.^[2]
• AS 33 Es: with SOLO 2350 engine with an electric starter^[2]
• AS 33 Me: Electric self-launcher^[7]

Data from Manufacturer^[2]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Wingspan: 18.00 m (59 ft 0 in)
• Wing area: 10 m² (107.6 sq ft)
• Aspect ratio: 32.4
• Empty weight: 300 kg (661 lb)
• Gross weight: 600 kg (1,322 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Solo 2350 air-cooled, two-cylinder, two-stroke (E version), 22 kW (30 hp)

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

• Jonker JS-3 Rapture
• Schempp-Hirth Ventus-3

Related lists

• List of gliders

• Official website