Schempp-Hirth Duo Discus T
The Schempp-Hirth Duo Discus T adds a small retractable two-stroke turbo engine to one of the world's most popular two-seat competition gliders, letting a crew sustain height or motor home after a flight instead of landing out. Deployed from a pylon behind the cockpit, the engine folds away once airborne so the glider still handles like the standard Duo Discus, prized since the 1990s for its docile handling and strong cross-country performance over its 20-metre wingspan. More than 750 Duo Discus gliders of all versions have been built, and the type remains a mainstay of two-seat gliding training and competition worldwide.
Did you know?
Spot the turbo: a small retractable engine on a pylon behind the cockpit, deployed to sustain height, folded away once airborne.
Specifications
| Length | 8.6 m (28 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 20 m (66 ft) |
| Height | 1.6 m (5 ft) |
| Persons on board | 2 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 0.7 t |
| Range | 110 NM (204 km) |
| Fuel capacity | 15 l |
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.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Schempp-Hirth Duo Discus T starts as a Uncommon catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you.
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