Founded by Alexander Schleicher in 1927, the company is the world's oldest sailplane manufacturer. The company makes both pure sailplanes and motorgliders, with entries in every category, from the entry-level ASW 21 to the remarkable ASW 28 and its 48:1 glide ratio. The ASW 28 series also offers a retracting engine and optional solar panels for in-flight recharging of avionics or engine battery.