title: Akaflieg Karlsruhe AK-8
text: # Akaflieg Karlsruhe AK-8
  
  The AK-8 is a single-seat FAI-Standard Class sailplane, designed and built in Germany by members of Akaflieg Karlsruhe which can be distinguished by its elliptical leading edge.
  
  ## Design and development
  
  Made of synthetic materials, such as aramid fibre, carbon fibre and glass-fibre with cast aluminium alloy ribs, the AK-8 wing features an elliptical leading edge. The fuselage is derived from that of the DG-600M.
  
  The first flight of the AK-8 took place in 2003, but a field landing accident caused severe damage to the left wing. After the left wing was rebuilt, the AK-8 flew again in 2009. In 2014 new outer wings with winglets were built to improve the flying characteristic.
  
  ## Specifications
  
  General characteristics
  
  * Length: 6.82 m (22 ft 5 in)
  * Wingspan: 15 m (49 ft 3 in)
  * Wing area: 9.75 $m^2$ (104.9 sq ft)
  * Empty weight: 232.8 kg (513 lb)
  * Gross weight: 450 kg (992 lb)
  
  Performance
  
  * Never exceed speed: 270 km/h (170 mph, 150 kn)
  