SCHEMPP-HIRTH

Plane & Pilot

Friday, March 13, 2009 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By: Omar Filipović

Key Takeaways:

Martin Schempp and Wolf Hirth's long-standing collaboration established Schempp-Hirth as a premier sailplane manufacturer, whose designs are flown globally today.
The company pioneered significant advancements in glider technology, including the Minimoa (the first high-performance glider to sell over 100 units) and the Cirrus (the first glass fiber glider).
Schempp-Hirth offers a diverse range of high-performance sailplanes, from advanced single-seater gliders utilizing carbon fiber (e.g., Ventus, Discus) to two-place models and motorglider variations (e.g., Duo Discus, Janus, Nimbus).

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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.