Glaser-Dirks DG-400

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DG-400
Dg-400 from Zwolle, Holland (985521774).jpg
General information
Type 18 metre class sailplane
National originGermany
Manufacturer Glaser-Dirks
Designer
Wilhelm Dirks
Number built290
History
Introduction date1981
First flightMay 1981
Developed from Glaser-Dirks DG-200

The Glaser-Dirks DG-400 is a single-seat self-launching motorglider that was produced by Glaser-Dirks between 1981 and 1992. It was the first self-launching motorglider with retractable engine and propeller to be produced in large numbers.

Contents

Development

The cost of carbon-fibre had fallen enough in the late 1970s to allow its use in the wing spars of high-performance gliders. Glaser-Dirks introduced a carbon wing variant of the DG-200 about this time. Designer Wilhelm Dirks realised that the span, strength and very low weight of this wing allowed for a self-launching engine to be carried in the glider without an unacceptable penalty when soaring in weak conditions. The DG-400 was created as a result. It first flew in May 1981.

The DG-400 uses the wings and most systems of the DG-202. It has a modified fuselage with a slightly enlarged tailcone and carbon fibre reinforcements to accommodate the engine, which is a relatively large unit with electric starter and electric retraction. This powerful installation, with a user-friendly engine control unit, made the DG-400 easier to operate than other self-launching gliders.

As was typical for the time, the engine, propeller and supporting pylon constitute a single unit that extends into the airflow (in more recent self-launchers the engine usually stays inside the fuselage). The type may be flown either with 15 metre or 17 metre wingtips.

The DG-400 was not aimed at competitions, but rather at leisure flying. Nevertheless, several World Gliding Records have been achieved flying this type.

Specifications (17 metre wings)

Data from [1]

General characteristics

50 L (13 US gal; 11 imp gal) with optional tanks in lieu of water ballast

Performance

140 km/h (87 mph; 76 kn) max
190 km/h (120 mph; 100 kn) in rough air
190 km/h (120 mph; 100 kn) on aero-tow
130 km/h (81 mph; 70 kn) on winch launch
750 km (470 mi; 400 nmi) cruise/soar

References

  1. John W.R. Taylor, ed. (1988). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89. London: Jane's Information Group. pp. 620–621. ISBN   0-7106-0867-5.