SCHEMPP-HIRTH

Plane & Pilot

Friday, March 13, 2009

Key Takeaways:

Martin Schempp and Wolf Hirth collaborated to create many renowned sailplane designs, starting with the Minimoa in 1935.
Schempp-Hirth pioneered the use of glass fiber in sailplanes (Cirrus, 1967) and continues to innovate with carbon fiber technology.
Their sailplanes, including the Discus, Duo Discus, Ventus, and Nimbus series, are known for high performance and are available in various configurations (single/two-seater, powered/unpowered).
Schempp-Hirth sailplanes are diverse, ranging from 15-meter class planes to open-class gliders with wingspans exceeding 20 meters.

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Martin Schempp and Wolf Hirth first met in 1928 Their life-long collaborations would bring about some of the
world’s most respected sailplane designs. Beginning in 1935, the team developed the Minimoa, the first high
performance glider to sell more than a 100 models. In 1967 the company produced the first glass fiber glider,
the Cirrus. Today thousands of their gliders are flying around the world. Schempp-Hirth sailplanes include the Ventus A, an advanced 15-meter-class plane with carbon-fiber technology, thin wings, and a low-profile fuselage. The Ventus B is a 15-meter-class craft with a larger cockpit for tail pilots. The Nimbus 2C (open class) has a 20.3- meter wingspan with either carbon or carbon/fiberglass construction. The Janus B has an 18.2-meter wingspan for high-performance tandem two-place flying. The Janus C has a 20-meter span with carbon wings, seating for two, and competition-type performance. The Janus CM, with a 20-meter span, is a two-place motorglider with carbon wings and fully retractable engine. Schempp-Hirth’s newest sailplanes include the Discus, Duo Discus, Ventus and Nimbus, available in a variety of variations, including pure gliders and powered sailplanes.