The Gliders

The backbone of the winch-launch fleet is the Grob 103 or as we know it, the Viking. A two seat glider used for AEG, GIC and AGT training.

The Viking has no engine and is accelerated to its flying speed by different means. One method is aerotowing whereby a powered aircraft acts as a tug and pulls the glider off the ground and up to a predetermined height by means of a towing cable. However, as a cadet, it is unlikely that you will experience this method of launching a glider. If you are affiliated to a Viking school you will experience the winch launch. A winch (picture left) is a series of drums on which are about 1,500 metres of strong, flexible, steel cable. The winch is powered by a powerful turbo engine.

A series of signals is given from the launch point caravan, instructing the winch driver when to launch. The cable is initially drawn in slowly to remove any slack in the cable, this signal consists of a slow flashing light and the signal is called 'take up slack'. When the cable is taut the winch driver receives another signal called 'all out' at this point the winch driver applies a lot more power to launch the glider into the air.

When the glider has reached its desired height the cable is released by the pilot and falls to earth, steadied by a parachute. It is then reeled in by the winch before the next launch. The height the glider achieves depends on the wind strength, the speed at which the cable is being wound onto the drum and the length of the cable.

A winch launch normally lasts between 5-6 minutes. However, in the warmer months the pilot can use thermals (warm rising air) to stay aloft for longer periods of time. The pilot will try to circle in the thermal to gain height.

Vigilant

The Grob 109 or Vigilant as we know it, differs from other Air Cadet Gliders in that it has an engine and propeller, so it can launch itself.

The Vigilant can taxi, take off and climb under its own power to a height selected by the instructor. It can be flown as a glider by allowing the engine to idle or, for some advanced exercises with the engine off all together. It can soar in thermals given reasonable thermic conditions. The engine is not powerful enough for rapid climbing, taking some five minutes or so to reach 2,000 feet. However, the ground handling time is reduced and manpower requirements are less than the Viking.

The Vigilant is used for GIC, GS and AGT training and unlike the Viking where you may experience a number 5-7 minute flights in order to achieve training objectives, Vigilant sorties typically last for about 45 minutes.

The Vigilant T MK 1 is a self-launching motor glider designed and built in Germany but modified to incorporate RAF requirements.