Description
LAK Genesis 2 1/3 scale shortkit and plan from Jilles Smitts
Genesis 2
is a Standard Class competition sailplane/glider that was designed by an American team led by
Jerry Mercer, Jim Marske and John Roncz.
It was produced in Lithuania. It is notable in having almost no rear fuselage. However, it is not tailless, because it has a small, all-moving tailplane on top of the vertical stabilizer. The tailplane is mainly a trimmer, rather than for longitudinal stability.
Developement.
During development, it was found that carbon rods formed by the “pultrusion” process could be used to provide a stronger spar. This technique has subsequently been applied to other LAK aircraft. The nosewheel was also made retractable and the wing washout was reduced. The production aircraft with these modifications, which flew in 1998, was called “Genesis 2”. There was a breakdown in relations between the American design group and the manufacturers, and so production was stopped after 27 had been made.
Specifications (Genesis 2)
General characteristics
Crew: one
Length: 4.828 m (15 ft 10 in)
Wingspan: 15 m (49 ft 3 in)
Height: 2.21 m (7 ft 3 in)
Wing area: 11.25 m2 (121 ft2)
Aspect ratio: 20.2
Empty weight: 240 kg (530 lb)
Gross weight: 525 kg (1157 lb)
Performance
Maximum speed: 276 km/h (171.5 mph)
Stall speed: 75 km/h (46.6 mph)
G limits: +5.55/-3.55
Maximum glide ratio: 44
Rate of sink: 0.58 m/s (114 ft/min)