Scheibe SF-23 Sperling
Scheibe Flugzeugbau · Germany · first flew 1955 · light aircraft
The Scheibe SF-23 Sperling (Sparrow) is a two-seat light tourer produced in West Germany from the mid-1950s, combining simple construction with practical cross-country capability.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Strut-braced high wing with side-by-side enclosed cabin
- Fixed tailwheel undercarriage, fabric-covered wings
- Continental flat-four engine under a rounded cowling
The strut-braced high wing, side-by-side enclosed cabin with a sloping windscreen, and fixed tailwheel gear give the SF-23 a family resemblance to other Scheibe designs of the period.
Specifications
- The Scheibe SF-23 Sperling has a length of 6.2 m (20 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.87 m (32 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 200 km/h (124 mph).
- Typical crew: 1–2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1955 and entering production by 1958, the Sperling was designed by Egon Scheibe's company, well known for its motor-gliders and training gliders. The aircraft used mixed wood, steel-tube and fabric construction typical of postwar German light aircraft.
Variants
The SF-23A was the main production variant; minor engine changes distinguished sub-variants.
Where you'll see it
The Sperling found buyers among German aero clubs and private owners seeking an economical tourer with good short-field performance.
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