Webmaster/host: Randy Lervold

The ASW-24E ("E" for engine) features a retractable mast-mounted engine similar to other such designs. It is powered by a Rotax model 275 single cylinder air-cooled two-stroke engine and an MT prop. There were two MT props available, the MT 140-L-86-1B and the MT 140-L-97-1B of which the later was an optional upgrade featuring a narrower blade that offered less weight and less noise.

According to the book 75 years of Alexander Schleicher Glider Production, 54 ASW-24E models were built in total with production starting in 1989 and ending in June of 1993. There were 8 additional units built of the TOP version which had an engine module mounted on the exterior of the fuselage "rucksak" style. By comparison, 221 regular ASW-24s and 28 ASW-24Bs were built from the airframe's introduction through it's replacement in 2000.

A search of the FAA database indicates that there are currently four ASW-24Es in the U.S. For comparison, this search also reveals 49 ASW-24/ASW-24B models for a total of 53 ASW-24 family aircraft registered in the US.

The ASW-24E is an adaptation of a mainstream 15 meter sailplane, as are virtually all self-launchers. While most self-launch sailplanes have engines in the 40-50 hp range, the -24E features a light single cylinder 26 hp Rotax engine. With this limited horsepower there is therefore debate in the soaring community as to whether the -24E is a "sustainer" or a "self-launcher". The flight manual specifies takeoff roll and rate of climb at sea level as 925 feet and 380 fpm respectively. Real life testing indicates the ship meets these specifications consistently. In fact it will demonstrate a positive rate of climb to at least 8,000 feet agl. By comparison a DG-400, perhaps the most available self-launch sailplane of this vintage with over 250 examples produced, has book specifications of 700' takeoff roll and 600 fpm sea level climb respectively. Indeed better performance while under power, but it  also has a heavier, more complicated engine installation that has proven to be more trouble-prone. A typical -24E has an empty weight of around 650 lbs while a DG-400 is usually near 750 lbs. The webmaster's conclusion is that the ASW-24E is indeed a useful self-launch sailplane, but one with a narrower performance envelope while under power where good judgment must be used. Prudence would dictate that when operating from low altitude airstrips with good runways and no obstacles self-launching can be accomplished with no problem at all. However at high altitude airports, and especially on hot high density-altitude days a pilot would be best advised to take a tow. See Take-off Charts from Flight Manual below for specific data.

The purpose of this web site is to form a central information resource and knowledgebase on this specific aircraft type. To that end owners, past owners, and those that have flown the -24E are encouraged to submit any and all material that might help others own and operate these aircraft more effectively. Content will be added to the site as it becomes available so check back often. Note that there are linked profile pages available for many of the ships listed in the registry accessible by clicking the link in the Profile column. I hope you find the site useful!

Self-powered ships give the soaring pilot some significant benefits and can significantly enhance the soaring experience — to learn more about self-launchers in general, and the ASW-24E in particular, see the following links:

• Eric Greenwell's excellent article on "Why a Self-powered Sailplane".
• Performance data on the ASW-24:  http://www.sailplanedirectory.com/schleich.htm#ASW-24.

Take-off Charts
(From ASW-24E Flight Manual)

Comments from Jason Gregg, the original owner who special-ordered #24851, to the rec.aviation.soaring newsgroup:
"I used to own one and I loved it. I flew it in France and Switzerland and had no problems with the extra weight. The fact is that even in Europe it usually is about right to fly the 24 with a gross of about 370 to 380 kg (815-838 lbs). Sure there will always be times that we would like to have gliders with almost no wing loading at all but if that's what you want get a paraglider. The Rotax 275 is an excellent powerplant, very reliable. I had just the pull start in mine and after break-in could get the engine to start using the force of engine compression alone. Unlike many other motorgliders the 24 is not a big production so pre-flight and simple maintenance are easy. Two big factors in my enjoyment of my 24E were that I had a second fuselage fuel tank which gave me over 12 liters (3.5 gallons) useable fuel, over an hour endurance, without the hassle of wingtanks. Second was that through weight saving measures such as no electric starter my 24E had an empty weight of about 290 kg (639 lbs) with oxygen system. All the negative comments might apply if you are big and you buy a piggy 24E that weighs 315 kg (695 lbs), and some did, but otherwise I REALLY recommend this motorglider especially if you have any interest in racing.
                Jason Gregg YB"

• Engine operating tips
• Two stroke engine oil: which oil is recommended and why
• Spark plugs: standard plug is NGK B8E, is BR8EV Gold Palladium an improvement?
• Winglets: relative merits of Schleicher, Nixon, and M&H (Maughmer)
• Water bag systems and mods