It was designed to be a sturdy aircraft for inexperienced solo pilots and so uses a simple and rugged construction and has docile handling characteristics.

The ASK 18 was designed by Rudolf Kaiser and was the last Schleicher glider to use the traditional construction method, at a time when contemporary aircraft of the same class, such as the Grob G102 Astir, were made of glass-fibre.

The fuselage was derived from the Ka 8 and used welded steel tube and spruce longerons.

The rear part of the wing is fabric-covered and the ailerons are plywood-covered.

Related lists Gliders and Sailplanes of the World by Michael Hardy Ian Allan Ltd 1982 ISBN 0-7110-1152-4