DG Flugzeugbau DG-800

DG-800
Self-launch of DG-808B 18 m
Role	15 metre- and 18 metre-Class sailplane
National origin	Germany
Manufacturer	DG Flugzeugbau
First flight	1993
Number built	401

The DG-800 series comprises a family of 15 metre and 18 metre single-seat gliders and motor gliders produced by Glaser-Dirks since 1993 and by DG Flugzeugbau GmbH after 1997. It is the successor to the DG-400 and the DG-600 models.

The DG-800 was planned primarily as a powered self-launching sailplane. In the meantime it has spawned many variants, differentiated by the type of powerplant (Rotax, Midwest or Solo), the span extensions (15 metre, 18 metre, both in variants with or without winglets), maximum allowed take-off mass, etc.

The newest model is the DG-808C, a self launching sailplane with Solo engine and the new designed "DEI-NT" Engine Control System.

There are also unpowered variants, the DG-800S and DG-808S, aimed at competition flying. These pure glider variants have a shorter and lighter fuselage built in the moulds of the DG-600 and allow a broader range of wing loadings.

The DG-808s is also used in Microsoft Flight Simulator X, replacing the Schweizer SGS 2-32.

Specifications (Competition DG-808C with 18-metre wings)

General characteristics

• Crew: One pilot
• Capacity: 156 kg (343 lb) water ballast
• Length: 7.06 m (23 ft 2 in)
• Wingspan: 18.00 m (59 ft 1 in)
• Height: ca. 1.35 m (4 ft 5 in)
• Wing area: 11.8 m² (127 ft²)
• Aspect ratio: 27.4
• Empty weight: ca. 344 kg (757 lb)
• Gross weight: 600 kg (1,320 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Solo, 40 kW (ca. 53 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 270 km/h (170 mph)
• Range: 520 km (325 miles)
• Maximum glide ratio: 50 (51.5 with winglets)
• Rate of climb: 5.2 m/s (1,000 ft/min)
• Rate of sink: 0.5 m/s (98 ft/min)

References

• DG-Flugzeugbau website
• Specification of DG-808C
• Reports about the DG-808 family