ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER

Founded by Alexander Schleicher in 1927, the company is the world's oldest sailplane manufacturer. The company makes both pure sailplanes and motorgliders, with entries in every category, from the entry-level ASW 21 to the remarkable ASW 28 and its 48:1 glide ratio. The ASW 28 series also offers a retracting engine and optional solar panels for in-flight recharging of avionics or engine battery.