Schempp-Hirth Discus-2
Schempp-Hirth · Germany · first flew 1998 · light aircraft
Schempp-Hirth's Standard Class racing single-seater of 1998, successor to the hugely successful original Discus.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.41 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unpowered sailplane — no engine
- Tiny single-seat cockpit pod with razor-thin 15-metre wings and upturned winglets
- Multi-panel wing with a curved, swept-back leading edge towards the tips
Look for a very compact cockpit pod, slim 15-metre wings whose leading edge curves gently back towards winglet-tipped ends, and a T-tail. The original Discus has a straighter three-panel wing; the LS8 is a close rival distinguished mainly by its straighter planform and different winglets.
Specifications
- The Schempp-Hirth Discus-2 has a length of 6.41 m (21 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15 m (49 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Discus-2 replaced the world-championship-winning Discus in 1998, introducing an entirely new multi-panel wing with a gracefully swept leading edge and a smaller, reclined-seat fuselage. It quickly re-established Schempp-Hirth at the front of Standard Class competition.
Variants
The Discus-2a has a narrow fuselage and the 2b a roomier one, both spanning 15 metres; the Discus-2c stretches to 18 metres. Sustainer-engined (T) and FES electric versions exist, blurring the line with motor gliders.
Where you'll see it
A common private and club single-seater across UK gliding, flown in BGA Standard Class competitions and club ladders from Lasham, Bicester and Nympsfield to the wave sites of Scotland. Many club pilots progress to a Discus or Discus-2 for their first cross-country machine.
Related aircraft
- Nimbus-4DM
- Nimbus-4 T
- Nimbus-4D
- Schempp-Hirth Duo Discus
- Beechcraft Premier I
- Extra 330
- Found FBA-2C Bush Hawk
- Lancair ES
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