Rolladen-Schneider LS-8T
The Rolladen-Schneider LS8 is a German single-seat sailplane in continuous production since 1995, later built by DG Flugzeugbau, with roughly 550 examples flown by competition and club pilots worldwide. Structurally it can fly as a 15-metre Standard Class glider or extend to 18 metres for greater performance, a dual-class flexibility inherited from its LS6 predecessor. The LS8-t designated here is the self-launching turbo variant: its wings and fuselage are reinforced to carry a retractable sustainer engine and propeller, letting the pilot climb away and restart a soaring flight without a tow plane or winch if lift runs out.
Did you know?
The 'T' marks the engine version: if an LS8 carries a retractable turbine, it can self-launch without a tow.
Specifications
| Length | 6.7 m (22 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 15 m (49 ft) |
| Persons on board | 1 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 0.5 t |
| Range | 200 NM (370 km) |
| Stall speed | 45 kt (83 km/h) |
| Fuel capacity | 10 l |
| Units built | 36 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
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