DG-505 Orion

DG Flugzeugbau · Germany · first flew 1992 · glider

The DG-505 Orion is a high-performance two-seat tandem glider with a glide ratio of approximately 46:1 at 20 metres, designed for advanced dual training and cross-country touring. It is one of the best-performing training gliders available to clubs.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × none, embedded-mounted
F — Fuselage	Long, elegant fuselage with a large two-piece canopy
T — Tail	T-tail

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Spot it by:

Unpowered sailplane — no engine
High-performance two-seat tandem glider with 20m wingspan and T-tail
Long, elegant fuselage with a large two-piece canopy

Very similar in outline to the DG-1000 but with an older canopy profile and slightly different fuselage cross-section. Both share the T-tail and 20m wing; the DG-505 has a more curved upper fuselage line aft of the cockpit.

Specifications

The DG-505 Orion has a length of 8.53 m (28 ft).
It has a wingspan of 20 m (66 ft).
Its maximum speed is 270 km/h (168 mph).
Typical crew: 2 (tandem).

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1992, the DG-505 was developed as a performance-oriented successor to the DG-500, using improved carbon-composite construction and a revised wing profile. It found favour with clubs seeking a high-performance trainer that could also fly serious cross-country tasks.

Variants

The DG-505 Elan uses Elan-built components for cost reduction; the DG-505MB adds a sustainer engine. The DG-1000 is the fully redesigned successor for the 21st century.

Where you'll see it

Operated by performance-oriented clubs in Germany, France and the UK for advanced training and touring; a handful are on the BGA register used for cross-country coaching.

Related aircraft

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