Reinhard Cumulus

The Reinhard Cumulus is a West German high-wing, strut-braced single-seat, glider that was designed by Gerhard Reinhard for amateur construction.[1]

Cumulus
Role Glider
National origin West Germany
Designer Gerhard Reinhard
First flight 1951
Status Production completed
Number built 10

Design and development

Reinhard developed the Cumulus shortly after the Second World War, first flying it in 1951. The aircraft incorporated many design concepts from prewar aircraft and was similar to the Schneider Grunau Baby and Bowlus Baby Albatross. It has a modest glide ratio of 19:1.[1]

The aircraft is built with a welded steel tube fuselage and wooden-framed wings, all covered in doped aircraft fabric covering. Its 13.57 m (44.5 ft) span wing is supported by a single strut per side. The landing gear was originally a simple skid for both take-off and landing, but later versions incorporated a monowheel instead.[1]

Specifications (Cumulus)

Data from Sailplane Directory,[1] The World's Sailplanes:Die Segelflugzeuge der Welt:Les Planeurs du Monde[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 6.09 m (20 ft 0 in)
  • Wingspan: 13.57 m (44 ft 6 in)
  • Wing area: 14.2 m2 (153 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 13
  • Empty weight: 159 kg (351 lb) (equipped)
  • Max takeoff weight: 250 kg (551 lb)

Performance

  • Never exceed speed: 150 km/h (93 mph, 81 kn)
  • Aerotow speed: 90 km/h (55.9 mph; 48.6 kn)
  • Winch launch speed: 80 km/h (49.7 mph; 43.2 kn)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 19:1 at 63 km/h (39 mph; 34 kn)
  • Rate of sink: 0.8 m/s (160 ft/min) at 52 km/h (32 mph; 28 kn)
  • Wing loading: 17.62 kg/m2 (3.61 lb/sq ft)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References
  1. Activate Media (2006). "Cumulus Reinhard". Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
  2. Shenstone, B.S.; K.G. Wilkinson; Peter Brooks (1958). The World's Sailplanes:Die Segelflugzeuge der Welt:Les Planeurs dans Le Monde (in English, French, and German) (1st ed.). Zurich: Organisation Scientifique et Technique Internationale du Vol a Voile (OSTIV) and Schweizer Aero-Revue. pp. 91–94.
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