Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co
A German sailplane manufacturer producing training, competition and high-performance gliders.
Last updated August 26, 2026
Overview
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co is a German sailplane manufacturer headquartered in Poppenhausen, Hesse. Founded by Alexander Schleicher in 1927, the company has focused on the design, production and support of unpowered gliders for much of its history. Its products serve primary training, two-seat instruction, club flying and high-performance competition, and have included both traditional wooden aircraft and modern composite sailplanes using materials such as glass and carbon fibre. The brand is well known in the gliding and flight-training community. Its aircraft are generally organized by model families and have been developed with specialist sailplane designers and engineering teams. Representative products include the ASK 21 two-seat trainer, the ASK 23 single-seat trainer and high-performance aircraft in the ASW and ASG families. As a privately held, non-listed company, reliable public information on revenue, production volume and ownership is limited.
History
Alexander Schleicher was founded by Alexander Schleicher in Germany in 1927, with its early activities closely connected to sailplane production and the development of gliding. Based in Poppenhausen, a region with a strong German gliding tradition, the company built specialist capabilities around the design, manufacture and support of sailplanes. Its product development reflects the wider transition from wooden aircraft to modern gliders made with glass- and carbon-fibre composites, while retaining separate roles for training, club and competition aircraft. The ASK family is particularly associated with training, whereas the ASW and ASG families have primarily served high-performance single-seat or two-seat flying. The company continues to operate as a specialist aircraft manufacturer, although public information about production volumes, organizational changes and financial performance is limited.
- 1927Company Founded
Alexander Schleicher founded the glider manufacturing company in Germany, beginning design and production of gliders.
Products and positioning
Professional glider manufacturer serving the glider training, aviation club, competition flying, and high-performance sport aviation markets.
ASK 21Two-seat training glider
The ASK 21 is a two-seat training sailplane from Alexander Schleicher. It is intended for flight schools, gliding clubs and basic to advanced instruction, with a two-seat layout suited to instructor-student operations and routine club flying.
ASK 23Single-seat training glider
The ASK 23 is a single-seat training sailplane positioned for the transition from dual instruction to solo and club flying. It is used to help pilots build experience after two-seat training and for general recreational operations.
ASW seriesHigh-performance glider
The ASW series is a family of high-performance sailplanes associated with Alexander Schleicher. It has served competition, cross-country and advanced recreational flying, with aircraft configurations varying by model and generation.
ASG 32Two-seat high-performance glider
The ASG 32 is a two-seat high-performance sailplane designed for advanced flying and competition-oriented use. It combines a dual-seat configuration with capabilities suited to cross-country flying, advanced instruction and club performance operations.
Flagship businesses
- ASK 21
- ASK 23
- ASW 系列
- ASG 32
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/alexander-schleicher-gmbh-and-co · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled