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ASA Webinar - What's New In Self-Launching Sailplanes - Update from Schleicher

🧭 Overview

The meeting, organized by the Auxiliary Powered Sailplane Association (ASA), focused on recent developments in Schleicher’s self-launch gliders. Rex Mayes provided updates on the AS 34ME, AS 33ME, and AS 35MI, covering design evolution, performance, battery systems, and production timelines

Date: February 19, 2026
Time: 17:45–19:00 (America/Denver)
Host: Dan Malone (ASA Vice President)
Presenter: Rex Mayes (Williams Soaring Center, Schleicher Dealer)
Attendees: ~60 participants

You can find the presentation here 

⚡ Electric Self-Launch Gliders

AS 34ME

• Based on the ASW 28B, available in 15 m and 18 m wingspans.
• Battery system: 960 cells distributed in the wings for better cooling and lower heat density.
• Performance:
  • 38 kW peak power for 2 minutes; 25 kW continuous.
  • Capable of self-launch at 600 kg MTOW.
  • After a typical 800 m climb, retains enough energy for ~140 km of powered range.
• Operational notes:
  • Batteries are not removable for daily charging.
  • Taxiing uses ~3% of battery for a 4,000 ft back-taxi.
  • Optional steerable tailwheel adds convenience but shifts CG aft by ~1 inch.
• Temperature management:
  • Storage range: –20°C to +60°C; best stored at ~60% charge.
  • Owners in cold climates use incandescent bulbs with thermostats in trailers to prevent freezing.

AS 33ME

• Successor to the ASG 29, optimized for high wing loading and performance.
• Battery weight: ~33 kg per wing (~70 lb), making assembly heavier but manageable with assist devices.
• Performance: Comparable to the 34ME, with slightly improved glide ratio.
• Charging: Initially required a step-up converter for U.S. voltage, but newer units now work directly on 110V/220V.

🛩️ AS 35MI (New Development)

• Successor to the AS 31MI, powered by the Austro rotary engine(same as AS 31/32/26 series).
• Configuration: 18 m and 20 m wings with new aerodynamic design influenced by the Concordia and AS 33.
• Features:
  • Retractable and steerable tailwheel.
  • Electric water dump valves.
  • Updated cockpit ergonomics for larger pilots.
  • Acrylic paint and wingtip wheels standard.
• Flight testing: Ongoing; first production deliveries expected mid-2029.

🧮 Production & Delivery Timelines

• AS 34ME: Estimated delivery – Q2 2027.
• AS 33ME: Estimated delivery – Q2 2028.
• AS 35MI: Estimated delivery – Q2 2029.
• Schleicher’s production capacity is about half of 1980s–1990s levels due to complexity of electric systems.

💰 Costs, Maintenance & Tariffs

• Battery replacement cost: Not yet established; no replacements performed to date.
• Tariffs:
  • Gliders: typically exempt.
  • Trailers: subject to ~50% tariff due to steel/aluminum classification.
  • Spare parts: often incorrectly tariffed by shipping companies.

🗣️ Key Takeaways

• Electric self-launchers offer simplicity, quiet operation, and ease of use, though limited by battery energy density compared to gasoline engines.
• The AS 35MI represents Schleicher’s continued investment in hybrid and rotary-powered designs.
• Demand remains strong, with multi-year lead times for new orders.
• Practical owner experiences (e.g., heating trailers, taxi power use) are shaping operational best practices

ASA Webinar Schedule

The Auxiliary Powered Sailplane Association (ASA) is organizing a series of webinars in the depths of the Northern Hemisphere's winter months

Participants were encouraged to join the ASA and engage in the motor glider community.

March 3 - Updates from self-launch manufacturers - DG, Pipistrel, and Stemme

Join us with representatives from DG, Pipistrel, and Stemme for the latest news on developments with these manufacturers.  

Registration Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/HEuDKZCbTvWepTzxJxtUYw

April 16 - An Overview of Airports to Launch Motor Gliders

This webinar will provide an overview of airports where motor gliders have taken off.  Airports from around the USA will be included, but a focus will be airports in the western USA.  

Registration Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/gildt3EXTmyE4Rghd41rfg