Why a completely new sailplane, and not just a new fuselage or new wing for the HP-18?
I believe that the social and economic landscape of soaring and of homebuilt aviation have changed drastically since the HP-18 heyday in the 1970s. Pilots demand more performance and amenities, and builders expect lower build time, better kit quality, and greater return on investment. The only way to satisfy that demand in a manner consistent with the current social and economic aspects is with an entirely new design.
