Brasov IS-32

Manufacturer - IAR Brasov

Known Club Aircraft

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Known Private Aircraft

VH-HND

The only IS-32 in Australia.

Previously owned by Euroa Soaring Centre, Harden Gliding Club and Whyalla Gliding Club. Now privately owned by Emilis Prelgauskas and operated on the private strip at Monarto, South Australia.

The designer had ambitions for 46:1, real world effects of an imprecise metal airframe folding, wing section and fuselage profile steps resulted in a suspected 38:1, the thin wing torsional flex at high speed affects the polar dropping away.

So what on paper seems like a Janus equivalent doesn't equate in the real world. Particularly notable are the limited pull up energy recoverable, and the low operating speeds (86kts rough air, 105kts smooth air VNE)

In its original form prone to wing drop entering thermals and on landing, requiring negative flap on ground roll to retain aileron effectiveness.

Has a trailer built by Whyalla Gliding Club with stands and winch to ease assembly/disassembly of the 11m long wing panels, as a metal airframe has limited access to control connections and cover panel over the fuselage/wing junction. Contributing to long rig/derig times and untidy airframe form.

Has been often flown/aerotowed to destination, flying the venue period and then home. This aircraft has been somewhat tidied with control seals and carbon fibre winglets replacing the metal tip plates, and is operated in experimental category.

Smooth air flight suggests 42:1 at best L/D, but unchanged higher speed achieved performance. Usually operated solo, and is used in state coaching venues dual in training flight.

Sources

Sailplane Directory