Bringing the ASK 13 to Life in Condor 3

Yesterday, our community gathered to witness the unveiling of the ASK 13 glider in the Condor 3, the Soaring Simulator. The event was filled with excitement, passion, and a deep appreciation for both pilots and fans. If you missed it, don't worry! You can watch the full event here: YouTube Link.

The History of the ASK 13

Designed by Rudolf Kaiser and first produced in 1966 by Alexander Schleicher, the ASK 13 has been a staple in gliding clubs worldwide for decades. Known for its forgiving flight characteristics and excellent handling, the ASK 13 has been the training glider of choice for many aspiring pilots. It has played a crucial role in flight training programs, and for many, it holds a special place in their hearts as the aircraft in which they took their first flights; and often their first solo flight.

The Art of Digital Recreation

One of the highlights of the event was the detailed presentation by key Condor team members, Chris and Wiek, who shared how they used a former 3D model created by someone in the community to bring the classic ASK 13 to the virtual skies. Their work wasn’t just about replicating the glider’s appearance but about capturing every nuance of its flight dynamics, with the help of Uros.

Using this community-created model as a foundation, they meticulously refined the details to ensure that every curve of the wings and every aspect of the cockpit was faithfully represented. This digital replica now allows pilots and enthusiasts to experience the ASK 13 as if they were actually soaring through the sky.

Beyond Aesthetics: The Science of Flight Simulation

While the visual aspect was impressive, the real magic lay in the flight dynamics. Chris and Wiek explained how they tuned the simulation to match the ASK 13’s real-world performance characteristics, from stall speeds to how the aircraft behaves in thermals. This level of precision ensures that when a pilot takes the virtual ASK 13 for a spin, they experience a flight model that feels authentic and responsive. To demonstrate the flight envelope of the school glider, Chris (OXO) performed a spin, showcasing the realistic behavior of the ASK 13 in extreme maneuvers.

A Pilot’s Perspective

To put the model to the test, the community was invited to take the skies using the ASK 13 for a flight within Condor 3, providing real-time feedback on its handling. His insights confirmed what many had hoped: the glider flies just as it should, staying true to its real-life counterpart. This validation from expert pilots like Marc Till, added another layer of credibility to the team's hard work.

A Team Effort

The event also introduced us to other key team members, and other community members, who took part in a free flight around Turnau, Austria. They flew together in the virtual skies while discussing Condor 3, the new ASK 13, and future developments in the simulator, including Open XR, flight models, new gliders, new landscapes, and even multicrew features.

Another major topic of discussion was the development of landscapes and the immense work involved for the developers, especially Michel DGT and his team. The 'France 3' landscape is currently in progress, and it is expected to be around 200GB in size, an ambitious undertaking that will further enhance the realism of Condor 3.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Condor 3

Beyond the ASK 13, the team shared some exciting insights into the broader advancements coming to Condor 3. Revised features, such as a new Radio, will help the community to get a better experience for two-seater flights. The developers also hinted at future gliders making their way into the simulator, sparking anticipation for what’s to come.

A Celebration of Flight

The event was more than just a technical deep dive, it was a celebration of aviation and the passion that fuels projects like Condor 3. Whether you’re a seasoned glider pilot or a flight simulation enthusiast, the dedication behind this project is undeniable.

We’re excited to see what’s next for Condor 3 and look forward to many more flights with you! Would it be a good idea to create more community events like this one? Let us know!