The ASK 21 is a popular German two-seater glider, first built in 1979. It is primarily used for beginner instruction and aerobatics training, as well as for transitioning pilots from older wooden gliders like the K 8 to modern single-seat composite gliders. Capable of withstanding g-loads of +6.5 and -4G, it has a maximum speed of 280 km/h. Despite not having the best glide ratio, it is appreciated for its well-balanced handling and safety. The ASK 21 is a well-constructed and robust glider with forgiving flight characteristics.
This simulator version aims to replicate the real aircraft as accurately as possible, featuring authentic custom sounds, a fine-tuned aerobatics-capable flight model, and stunning visuals. Developed in collaboration with real ASK 21 pilots, the f7 Simulations K21 strives to be the most authentic glider available for flight simulators.
The ASK21 was my first plane i went solo on in real life (my profile picture at this forum is me in the ask21 on the first solo flight, right before release from the winchlaunch)
So its a no brainer for me.
Downside now, i will have Another… account.
So i will wait for the release on the marketplace and get it there.
After that, my review compared with real life experience will be dropped here for sure.
I guess I just need to have a bit more patience.
Just got this …and agree with all the points made.
Lets hope they can update soon …especially the imperial flight instruments!
One other thing I have noticed is the lack of adverse yaw when using just ailerons … if you just bank the yaw string stays perfectly in the middle …as if there is an auto ruder!
Update out yesterday …change log looks like they have addressed most things!
Quick update… Adverse yaw is much better now and the ability to change the units has been added (just click on the reg number in the cockpit!)
Was good before, but is so good now …well done all concerned, and thanks for taking our views and requests on board!
Finally had time to test the new update. Having so much fun with this glider… Currently training on field landings around my local club. The old WSSSSO rule for those who remember (Wind, Size, Slope, Surface, Stock, Obstacles)
So, I have imported this into 2024 (yes, I know its not ‘approved’ yet!) …and it flies well..
…but..
2024 does not recognise this as a glider …so I cant assign glider controls to my hardware it eg cable release! as it does not give me the glider options at controller set up!
so..
a. Can you change the aircraft category in 2024 ?
b. How do assign the tow release if I cant do a. ?
c. Any other options?
Just got the Ask21 and did some test flights with it from my old gliderfield in MSFS2024.
First of all I know its not approved or updated for 2024.
After some of these test flights i got quite an impression of this bird i used to fly for real (despite the fact its already some few years ago when i sat for the last time in the 21).
Pro’s:
textures are well done. Especially on the outside it looks very nice.
During tow, winch launch, flying thermals, and normal flight it behaves very natural.
“wheelbrakes” can be applied by pulling the spoiler full max, like in real life. Really great if you have the spoiler bound to an axis like me
the internal sounds are ok.
havent tested the flightcomputer yet, but the vario’s and other instruments work well
Cons’s
no external sounds
the “clunck” sound from the spoilers are a bit off and might need some finetuning.
during tow there are some stutter sounds (seem to come from the prop of the towplane) after release it disappears
flightdynamics during stalls and aerobatic manouvres like tailslide, wingovers are a bit off and feel a bit “snappy” while the ASK21 is lovely to do aerobatics with in real life. Its stable, gracefully and elegant. although these manoeuvres are a bit off, its just like in real life, very hard to get into a spin or a spiral dive.
The yawstring doesnt behave properly and realistic. this one need quite some tweaking because this tiny piece of string that is usually taped to the canopy is one of the most important instruments in gliderflying.
So long story short:
Its a lovely glider that you can take without any problems on hour long X-country trips. My longest flight so far is 1 hour+ and it took almost no effort to gain altitude in thermals. I havent done any ridge soaring yet but during many moments it felt like i was flying the real bird.
Despite the small shortcommings in 2024 it is a must have for glider enthousiasts or when you want to get the feel of i think the most populair duo seat glider in the world.
A little gem that i certainly will use for many hours to come!
Added to my hangar.
I do not have previous knowledge about the glider so I can not give any impressions on flight accuracy.
It feels, looks and sounds good, but I notice the yawstring not works very well.
It’s been more than 15 years since I flew it in RL. So my memory has faded a bit.
Graphically I find the glider very well done.
Opening the canopy is not just 1-click technology and the transparency in the area of the air flap also looks good. I like these things better than on the current AS33ME from GotFriends, for example.
The cables are also nice when you open the canopy.
I have already flown with it for over 2 hours, both thermals in the flatlands (own weather preset) and slope flights in the mountains in real weather work excellently.
Since none of us had an aerobatic license, I tried to fly some turns from back then. However, the G-meter did not come up with the same values. However, I am cautious with this statement, as it was a long time ago and I was perhaps a little too timid in the simulator. It’s not that important to me, as I prefer to fly comfortably and see the challenge in cross-country flying and enjoy the view.
