Glaser-Dirks DG-200
The DG- 200 is a glider with retractable landing gear, water ballast, 15 m or 17 m wingspan and variable wing. Manufacturer was Glaser -Dirks, trading as DG Flugzeugbau GmbH.
The original DG- 200 had - as defined for the so-called FAI 15m class or race - 15 m span. With exactly 10 m Wing area it was well above the surfaces, which today have 15 - m- plane. The DG- 200, in contrast to LS3 driven separate flaps and ailerons, the ailerons are overshadowed.
The DG- 200 is in the 15- m version for a max. Speed of 270 km / h and a maximum takeoff weight of 450 kg allowed. Well known is the great view from the cockpit. The chassis is a 5 " suspension, which outlandings very benefit.
Versions
The DG- 200 DG-100 was after the second constructed by Wilhelm Dirks glider. The first flight of the DG- 200 with 15 m in 1977, followed shortly by the DG-200/17 with attachable wing tips that increase the span to 17 m.
A further development from the year 1980, the DG- 202 and DG-202/17 that offer a one-piece hood, slightly different profile and an automatic elevator connection.
It was followed by the DG-202/17C with carbon fiber spars. From this the motorized DG-400 was developed later.
History
The group has long wanted a glider optimal adjustment of the aircraft Profiles to the respective airspeed. In climbing they wanted to fly as close as possible to the minimum speed with minimum sink rate to rise as quickly as possible. For the straight flying in static or downward moving air they wanted high speed in order to lose as little height.
In the 1970s of the last century was created by the ever more advanced use of glass fiber and carbon fiber composite materials, the opportunity to realize the long-cherished desire to variable profiles.
Flaps with which the gliders racing class (FAI - or 15 - m class today ) are fitted, make it possible to fold flaps at the rear end of the wing up or down. A lower minimum flight speed due to the increased buoyancy ( at the expense of increased resistance ) is reached, at high speeds, however, just the opposite - - This was in the " cranks " - ie climbing so less resistance with correspondingly less lift.
Flight characteristics
In the 15 m version results in a practical (not calculated or theoretical ) glide ratio of 1:40. Typical Handicap all the planes of the first " race class " generation with the corresponding Wölbklappenprofil ( LS3, Mini Nimbus, ASW 20, Mosquito, Pik 20 ) is the extremely high sensitivity to pollution of the profile by mosquitoes or rain.
Although the aircraft can be cranked very slowly to find the ideal speed for climbing, but it is not easy. The hull is the same for the 15 -m and 17- m version, so that the 15 m version is restless pedaling and needs to be trued. The rudder effect of the rudder is very good. At a very slow level flight ( in the waves or on the stable slope ) increases the DG- 200 at 8 or 12 75-85 km / h, very good.
In parallel flight next to a LS 4 are up to about 120 km / h remarkably small benefits for the LS 4, a Discus appears clearly better. From 140-150 km / h - suitable vice arches - is, however, the DG- 200 forward. The cranks in turn have LS 4 and Discus clear advantages, because as mentioned must be constantly readjusted in the 15 m version, also simply does not increase as well.
Full tank (with water) and in good weather it is thus especially during fast preflight (from 150 km / h) in the race. The aircraft, however, with the modern racing class absolutely not comparable, however, there are special competitions for older aircraft.
Up and teardown
The set-up and teardown is done in a few minutes, as the surfaces are the lightest of that class. Automatic connections are only available for flaps; Transverse and High rudder and brakes are manually connected by Hotelier ports, but which are within easy reach. In the DG 202, the elevator is connected automatically.