This group is a forum for sharing information and promoting preservation on the Alexander Schleicher Ka6 series of gliders between enthusiasts, whether they be owners, pilots, modelers or anyone interested in this glider type.

A general webpage describing the Ka6 can be found at the following link;
https://sites.google.com/site/ka6sailplane/

The Ka6 was one of the most successful wooden glider designs of the 1950's and 1960's. Initially developed as a private prototype in 1955 by the designer, Rudolf Kaiser the Ka6 was put into production by Alexander Schleicher the following year. The design was modified to conform the new FAI Standard Class rules and was flown in the 1958 World Championships in Lezno, Poland by Heinz Huth winning third prize in a Ka6-BR. However, more importantly the Ka6 was awarded the first OSTIV design prize. Subsequently, the glider proved popular with pilots and clubs thanks to its simple design, pleasant handling characteristics and sufficent performance for serious cross country flights. The basic design was refined into the most numerous variant, the Ka6-CR's. In 1963 Otto Schäuble and Karl Betzler flying two Ka6-CR's broke the world distance record flying from Stuttgart, Germany to Saint Nazare on the French Atlantic coast a total of 876km. Subsequently, Ka6's established a number of world distance and speed records in the 1960's. The Ka6 design reached its ultimate evolution in the final version, the Ka6e. This incorporated a modified wing section, a more tapered nose and canopy than the -CR and an all flying tailplane which resulted in improved performance.

A total of 1300 Ka6's of all types were constructed and many are still flying today. Even in the age of sleek, high performance glass or carbon fibre sailplanes, Ka6's are capable of significant cross country flights.