LET L-23 Super Blaník


The LET L-23 Super Blaník is a two-seat, all-metal structure glider with fabric covered control surfaces. The aircraft is primarily used for flight training; its single-seat sister model is the Let L-33 Solo.

Design and development

The Super Blaník is an improved version of the original LET L-13 Blanik. The cockpit is somewhat roomier in the L-23, and some differences are a swept fin and a T-tail, and on the L-23 flaps were deleted to save weight since they were rarely used on the LET L-13. The airbrakes were retained however, and these open on both the top and the bottom of each wing. LET also moved the tailplane to the top of the vertical stabilizer for better protection in case of an outlanding. It also has a new instrument suite.
The aircraft has a two-piece canopy, where the front part opens to the right, and the rear part opens upwards and to the rear. This was done to improve vision compared to the L-13. From serial No. 968401 it was delivered with a one-piece canopy, that opens to the right only. The maximum number of occupants is two. If it is to be flown solo, the pilot must be sitting in the front seat and his weight must be at least 70 kg. If the pilot's weight is less than 70 kg, it is necessary to use ballast to bring the total weight in the front to at least 70 kg. A weighted cushion weighing 15 kg is available to replace the soft seat cushion bottom in the front seat. Additional ballast may need to be added to bring the total to at least 70 kg.
The United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol uses the L-23 as a trainer for cadets.
Blanik Aircraft CZ s.r.o. plans a new version of the L-23, the L23NG, with winglets, improved fuselage and single canopy with slightly higher performance.

Specifications