- Glaser-Dirks DG-400
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DG-400 Role 18 metre class sailplane National origin Germany Manufacturer Glaser-Dirks Designer Wilhelm Dirks First flight May 1981 Introduction 1981 Number built 290 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 1990. It was the first self-launching motorglider with retractable engine and propeller to be produced in large numbers.
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)
General characteristics
- Crew: One pilot
- Capacity: 90 kg (198 lb) water ballast
- Length: 7.00 m (23 ft 0 in)
- Wingspan: 17.00 m (55 ft 9 in)
- Wing area: 10.6 m2 (114 ft2)
- Aspect ratio: 27.3
- Empty weight: 310 kg (683 lb)
- Gross weight: 460 kg (1,014 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 505, 32 kW (43 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 270 km/h (168 mph)
- Range: 380 km (236 miles)
- Maximum glide ratio: 45
- Rate of sink: 0.54 m/s (106 ft/min)
References
Aircraft produced by Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau, later DG Flugzeugbau Lists relating to aviation General Aircraft (manufacturers) · Aircraft engines (manufacturers) · Airlines (defunct) · Airports · Civil authorities · Museums · Registration prefixes · Rotorcraft (manufacturers) · TimelineMilitary Accidents/incidents Records s
Categories:- German sailplanes 1980–1989
- Glider aircraft
- DG Flugzeugbau aircraft
- Single-engine aircraft
- Propeller aircraft
- Motor glider
- 1980s aircraft stubs
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