Nimbus-4DM

Schempp-Hirth · Germany · first flew 1996 · light aircraft

The Nimbus-4DM is the self-launching motor-glider version of the Schempp-Hirth Nimbus-4D, fitted with a retractable sustainer piston engine to allow independent departure and return without a tow.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.73 m fuselage
T — Tail	T-tail

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

26.4 m wingspan open-class sailplane with retractable sustainer engine
Pop-up engine mast behind cockpit when deployed
T-tail; otherwise identical silhouette to non-motorised Nimbus-4D

Identical to Nimbus-4D on the ground and in clean flight; distinguished in takeoff phase by the pop-up engine mast visible behind the canopy; same T-tail and 26.4 m span.

Specifications

The Nimbus-4DM has a length of 8.73 m (29 ft).
It has a wingspan of 26.4 m (87 ft).
Typical crew: 1.

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

History

Schempp-Hirth developed the 4DM variant in the mid-1990s by integrating a retractable sustainer engine (typically a small Rotax unit) mounted on a pop-up mast behind the cockpit. The motor folds flush when not in use, preserving the clean aerodynamic lines critical for competition soaring. The type received EASA certification and became popular for pilots who frequently fly from sites without aerotow facilities.

Variants

Nimbus-4DM (standard self-launching); otherwise same family as Nimbus-4D.

Where you'll see it

Used by private owners and soaring clubs across Europe; particularly valued in alpine environments where reliable climb capability is essential.

Related aircraft

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.