|
Competition classes in gliding, as in other sports, mainly exist to ensure fairness in competition. However the classes have not been targeted at fostering technological development as in other sports. Instead classes have arisen because of: * the popularity of certain types of glider * attempts to contain the cost of access to the sport * the need to establish a stable environment for investment decisions by both manufacturers and competitors. The FAI Gliding Commission (IGC) is the sporting body overseeing air sports at the international level so that essentially the same classes and class definitions are followed in all countries. ==FAI Competition Classes== Seven glider classes are currently recognised by the FAI and are eligible for European and World Championships: * Open Class, places no restrictions except a limit of 850 kg to the maximum all-up mass, may be one- or two-seater e.g. JS-1C, Lange Antares 23E, Quintus, ASH 30, ASH 31 and LAK-20. * Standard Class, restricted to a maximum wing-span of 15 metres and fixed wing sections (flaps or other lift-enhancing devices not allowed), maximum all-up mass 525 kg, e.g. ASW 28, LS8, Discus-2, LAK-19. * 15 metre Class, as Standard Class with lift-enhancing devices allowed, maximum all-up mass 525 kg, e.g. ASW 27, LS6, Ventus-2, Diana 2. * 18 metre Class, as the 15 metre Class with wing-spans up to 18 metres, maximum all-up mass 600 kg, e.g. ASG 29, LS10, DG-808, Ventus-2c. * 20 metre Two-Seater Class, restricted to a maximum wing-span of 20 metres, maximum all-up mass 750 kg, e.g. Duo Discus, DG-1000, Arcus * Club Class, allows a wide range of older small gliders within a specified range of performances, e.g. Libelle, Standard Cirrus, LS1, Pilatus PC-11, with the scores being adjusted by handicapping. Disposable (i.e. water) ballast may be installed but must not be used in this class. * 13.5 metre, with maximum span of 13,500mm. Disposable ballast allowed but maximum wing loading permitted is 35 kg/m² Gliding World Records are classified by the FAI under sub-classes that do ''not'' have a one-to-one correspondence with the above competition classes: * DO - Open Class, accepts sporting performances achieved with any glider type. Sporting performances by Open, 18 metre and Two Seaters are eligible only for this sub-class. * D15 - 15 metre Class, accepts sporting performances achieved with gliders whose wing-span is smaller than or equal to 15 metres. *DW - World Class, for sporting performances by World Class gliders only, though this category may be amended given the abolition of the class for competition. *DU - Ultralight Class, for sporting performances by gliders having maximum mass below 220 kg, e.g. the SparrowHawk, Apis WR, Silent 2 Targa. A subdivision of the ultralight class, known as the microlift gliders have a wingloading not exceeding 18 kg/m2. Types include the Carbon Dragon, AL12 Alatus and the Lighthawk. Microlift gliders do not have separate world records. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Glider competition classes」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|