Glaser-Dirks DG-200
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 and a 200x50 tail wheel
- l'Hottelier connection for the ailerons, airbrakes and elevator. Flaps connection is automatic.
"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."
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;DG-202
;DG-200/17
;DG-202/17
;DG-202/17C