The Glaser-Dirks DG-200 is a
15 metre class glider built by
Glaser-Dirks, now DG Aviation GmbH
Design started in 1976, and it first flew in 1977.
Wingtip extensions to 17 metres were offered in 1978. Later enhancements included a single-piece canopy, a
carbon-fibre
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (American English), carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers (Commonwealth English), carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics, carbon-fiber reinforced-thermoplastic (CFRP, CRP, CFRTP), also known as carbon fiber, carbon compo ...
wing spar and a change in the
wing profile. A total of 192 DG-200 were built.
The glider design includes:
* a two-piece conventional elevator, with a fixed forward stabilizer and aft-mounted movable elevator
* a control stick with a parallelogram linkage to reduce
pilot-induced oscillation
Pilot-induced oscillations (PIOs), as defined by MIL-HDBK-1797A, are ''sustained or uncontrollable oscillations resulting from efforts of the pilot to control the aircraft''. They occur when the aviator, pilot of an aircraft inadvertently comman ...
s
* Schempp-Hirth airbrakes on top surface only
* a 5"x5" main wheel (drum brake) and a 200x50 tail wheel
* l'Hottelier connection for the ailerons, airbrakes and elevator (elevator connection is automatic on the DG-202). Flaps connection is automatic.
According to
Dick Johnson in his ''Flight Test Evaluation of the DG-200'' published in the Soaring Magazine in July 1980:
"The sailplane is a real beauty to behold with its excellent finish and sleek pointed nose. The canopy is exceptionally good, and it provides outstanding forward visibility for the pilot. The cockpit is outstandingly good for moderately sized pilots; I have never flown a sailplane that was more comfortable. I flew several 5 and 6-hour flights in the DG-200 with no discomfort whatsoever.
[A Flight Test Evaluation Of The DG-200
By Richard H. Johnson, published in Soaring Magazine, July, 1980
Photos By Skip Epp]"
The
DG-400 motor glider was derived from the DG-202/17C.
It belongs to the same generation as the
Rolladen-Schneider LS3,
Alexander Schleicher ASW 20,
Schempp-Hirth Mini-Nimbus,
Eiri-Avion PIK-20
The PIK-20 sailplane was designed at the Helsinki University of Technology by Pekka Tammi, with advice from Ilkka Rantasalo and Raimo Nurminen. The prototype first flew on 10 October 1973. It was produced initially by Molino Oy who were taken ove ...
and
Glasflügel Mosquito.
Variants
;DG-200
:The original production model
;DG-202
:Improved model with large one-piece canopy replacing the split type of the DG-200 and other refinements highlighted by customer feedback and flight testing.
;DG-200/17
:The DG-200 with optional wingtip extensions to 17m span
;DG-202/17
:The DG-202 with optional wingtip extensions to 17m span
;DG-202/17C
:The DG-202 with optional wingtip extensions to 17m span and carbon fibre spars
Specifications (DG-200 15m)
See also
References
DG-Flugzeugbau websiteJohnson R, An FTE of the DG-200, Soaring, July 1980Sailplane Directory
*DG-200 Flight Manual, June 1980
{{DG Flugzeugbau aircraft
1970s German sailplanes
DG Flugzeugbau aircraft
T-tail aircraft
Aircraft first flown in 1977