Glaser-Dirks DG-200 explained

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 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 oscillations
• 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.^[1] "

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 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

References

• DG-Flugzeugbau website
• Johnson R, An FTE of the DG-200, Soaring, July 1980
• Sailplane Directory
• DG-200 Flight Manual, June 1980

Notes and References

1. A Flight Test Evaluation Of The DG-200

   By Richard H. Johnson, published in Soaring Magazine, July, 1980

   Photos By Skip Epp

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