Glaser-Dirks DG-400

Glaser-Dirks DG-400
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

s


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Glaser-dirks dg-400 — DG 400 DG 400/17 Constructeur Glaser Dirks Premier vol mai 1981 Classe de compétition Classe FAI 18 metres …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Glaser-Dirks DG-400 — DG 400 / DG 400/17 Vue du planeur …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Glaser-Dirks DG 400 — DG 400 …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Glaser-dirks dg-200 — DG 200 DG 200/17 Constructeur Glaser Dirks Premier vol 22 avril 1977 Classe de compétition 15 /18 mètres …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Glaser-dirks dg-100 — DG 100 Constructeur Glaser Dirks Classe de compétition Club Nombre construit 327 Équipage 1 …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Glaser-Dirks DG-300 — Glaser Dirks/ DG Flugzeugbau DG 300 A DG 300WL at Évora, Portugal Type designation DG 300 Competition class Club (formerly Standard) Number built 511 Crew 1 Length 6.80 m (22.31 ft) …   Wikipedia

  • Glaser-dirks dg-300 — Sommaire 1 Présentation 2 Description générale 3 Modification majeure 4 Versions 5 …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Glaser-dirks dg-500 — DG 505M/22 …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Glaser-Dirks DG-200 — DG 200 DG 200/17 un Glaser Dirks DG 200 au Portugal …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Glaser-Dirks DG-100 — DG 100 Role Club class (formerly Standard class) sailplane National origin Germany Manufacturer Glaser Dirks/DG Flugzeugbau …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”