- Source: Bowlus BS-100 Super Albatross
The Bowlus BS-100 Super Albatross is a single seat, mid-wing glider that was designed by Hawley Bowlus in 1938.
Design and development
The Super Albatross was created from a Baby Albatross fuselage pod and tail boom. The wings used the outer panels of the Senior Albatross. The resulting aircraft was of wooden construction, with the wings and tail surfaces covered in aircraft fabric. The tail boom is a metal tube.
Only two examples were constructed. The first was built by Bowlus and features an all-flying horizontal stabilizer. The second was built by Frank Kelsey and has a fixed horizontal stabilizer and flaps in addition to spoilers.
Aircraft on display
National Soaring Museum
US Southwest Soaring Museum
Specifications (Super Albatross)
Data from SoaringGeneral characteristics
Crew: one
Wingspan: 45 ft 0 in (13.72 m)
Wing area: 125 sq ft (11.6 m2)
Aspect ratio: 15.7
Airfoil: Gö 549, with the wingtips having a symmetrical airfoil
Empty weight: 435 lb (197 kg)
Gross weight: 645 lb (293 kg)
Performance
Maximum glide ratio: 29:1 at 47 mph
Rate of sink: 150 ft/min (0.76 m/s) at 42 mph
Wing loading: 5.25 lb/sq ft (25.6 kg/m2)