SZD Jantar
Neal Olshan
sometime in June. I would like to talk with anyone who has had
experience flying or owning any of the Jantar series. This will be my
first ship.
Thanks
Neal H. Olshan
P.S.
Also my first time leaving a message.
BobLacovar
I fly a Jantar Standard 3 (SZD 48-3) which is a year old this April. It is a
great flying sailplane. As nearly as I can tell the factory claims of 40:1 are
right on the money and the ship handles well. In comparing the published polar
and in experience the "3" hangs right with the hot German ships up to about 80
-85 kts. At that point the 15 meter machines tend outrun the Jantar, while new
standard class racing ships slowly walk away. However if you are not into
serious contest flying this is not a major factor.
I find the Jantar to be a wonderful cross-country ship. It climbs well and the
dive brakes are very effective in the event of a short field landing. I
understand the SZD -49 is the same ship with a two piece wing allowing a 13 or
15 meter configuration. If this is your first glass ship, you'll be pleased
with the handling. In fact, it is easier to fly then a Grob 103, which by
comparsion is a bus. You will have to pay attention to pattern speed and
landings compared to most training sailplanes, but it is not hard to land.
After a year I'm convinced the 48-3 is the best bang-for-the-buck in soaring.
Good luck with your new ship.
Bob Lacovara
Frank Ivey
: I fly a Jantar Standard 3 (SZD 48-3) which is a year old this April. It
: is a great flying sailplane. ... you'll be pleased with the handling.
: In fact, it is easier to fly then a Grob 103, which by comparsion is a
: bus.
What other ships have you flown and how does it compare to these?
Frank
fi...@crl.com
BobLacovar
In comparsion, I've flown the Grob 103 & the 102, ASW-19, Janus A, Pilatus B-4,
Krosno KR-03a and the usual assortment of Schweizers, 2-33, 1-26, 1-34,
and1-36. The Jantar Std. 3 handles much better than the Grob 102 and somewhat
better than the ASW-19. The performance is better than the ASW-19. I can't
compare to say the Discus or other current standard class ships having never
flown them. What I do know is the Jantar is a responsive and stable sailplane.
For example, in a relatively smooth thermal I can trim the pitch and roll into
a bank then fly hands off for almost a full turn.
The other interesting factor about the SZD 48-3 is the structure. Redline is
154 kts. (177 mph) which is higher than most German gliders. Of course you
happen to be pointing at the ground at this speed, but at least you won't pull
the wings off on the recovery.
Realistically, given the financial where-with-all, I'd own a Discus or a
ASW-24. But on a performance vs. cost basis the SZD 48-3 is a much better buy.
The bottom line is you get about 90% of the performance for 1/2 the price.
As I said before it is an easy glider to fly, but for the first time in a glass
ship you just need to stay ahead of the sailplane. When you pick-up your new
SZD-49 from Solaire, you might plan on going out to Derick Johnson's new place
for a few days, for a thorough check out. Derick does well in preparing one to
fly a new bird.
Bob Lacovara