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Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4
The Schempp-Hirth Nimbus-4 is a family of high-performance FAI Open Class gliders designed by Klaus Holighaus and manufactured by Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH in Kirchheim, Germany. The Nimbus-4 first flew in 1990. Design and development The Nimbus-4 family is a direct derivative of its predecessors at the highest performance end of the Schempp-Hirth product range, the Nimbus-2 and Nimbus-3. In total , 44 single-seat and 100 two-seat models have been produced. The wing taper varies along the span, which is increased to 26.5 metres. The aspect ratio is 38.8. The fuselage is also lengthened and a larger rudder fitted. The manufacturer claims this glider has a glide ratio of better than 60:1 at a best glide airspeed of 110 km/h (59 knots), meaning it can glide over 60 kilometres on course for every 1000 metres of altitude lost in still air. There is a two-seat version, the 4D, and motor glider versions with either turbo engines (designation T) or self-launching engin ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
FAI Open Class
Competition classes in gliding, as in other sports, mainly exist to ensure fairness in competition. However the classes have not been targeted at fostering technological development as in other sports. Instead classes have arisen because of: * the popularity of certain types of glider * attempts to contain the cost of access to the sport * the need to establish a stable environment for investment decisions by both manufacturers and competitors. The FAI Gliding Commission (IGC) is the sporting body overseeing air sports at the international level so that essentially the same classes and class definitions are followed in all countries. FAI Competition Classes Seven Glider (sailplane), glider classes are currently recognised by the FAI and are eligible for European Gliding Championships, European and World Gliding Championships, World Championships: * Open Class, places no restrictions except a limit of 850 kg to the maximum all-up mass, may be one- or two-seater e.g. Jonker ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |