The published empty weight of the self-launch Silent Club is 170 kg (375 lbs). I assume that this is without options such as the tip-up canopy and steerable tailwheel?
You are correct. The published weight is that of the basic glider without fuel. With polyurethane paint, cockpit paint, hinged tip-up canopy, steerable tailwheel, aero-tow nose hook, auxiliary battery, large instrument panel, radio, headset, etc. the empty weight can easily creep up to around 190 kg (418 lbs). The self-launch Silent 2 and Silent 2 TARGA have the additional advantage of lighter carbon wings allowing slightly more weight for the pilot and flight gear (although the TARGA does have the additional weight of the retractable landing gear). Regardless of the aircraft, we strongly recommend that you take your own weight and airport conditions (runway length, altitude, temperature) into account when deciding on options. It is very easy to make any aircraft heavy. The design intent of the Silent series of sailplanes focuses on simplicity and light weight. Ask questions like, “Are two variometers, large instrument panel, steerable tailwheel, etc. really necessary?” More is not nec
Related Questions
- In some of the photos it looks like the self-launch Silent Club is on the nose wheel when occupied by the pilot. It seems that this would negate the use of the steerable tailwheel - so how does this work?
- The published empty weight of the self-launch Silent Club is 175 kg (386 lbs). I assume that this is without options such as the tip-up canopy and steerable tailwheel?
- The published empty weight of the self-launch Silent Club is 170 kg (375 lbs). I assume that this is without options such as the tip-up canopy and steerable tailwheel?
