Glaser-Dirks DG-100

The DG-100 of 1974 is the first sailplane manufactured by Glaser-Dirks. Designed by Wilhelm Dirks and built of glass-reinforced plastic (fiberglass), the first model had a stabilator and a two-piece canopy (movable and fixed parts). The original DG-100 was superseded by the DG-100G, DG-101 and DG-101G. Most models came equipped with water ballast bags in the wings.

The DG-101 and DG-101G had improvements such as a single-piece front-hinged canopy, improved crash resistant cockpit and a conventional tailplane (with fixed horizontal stabilizer and moveable elevator). There was also a club version of this sailplane with fixed landing gear. All models featured top-surface-only air brakes.

Some later models were also manufactured by the Elan company in Slovenia and can be identified by the word "ELAN" on the fuselage and rudder. The serial number of these gliders is prefixed with "E".

Although these gliders were designed in the 1970s, they are still popular in the Club class and remain competitive in Sports class contests (which are handicapped).

The wing's control surface hookups are non-automatic and utilize L'Hotellier fittings, which must be secured by a secondary means such as a safety pin, safety wire, Uerling Sleeve or Wedekind Sleeve (See this web page for more details on this subject).

The Glaser-Dirks Company declared bankruptcy, after which the newly-organized company DG Flugzeugbau GmbH assumed responsibility for servicing the gliders.

Specifications (DG-100)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83^[2]

General characteristics

• Crew: One pilot
• Capacity: 100 kg (220 lb) water ballast^[1]
• Length: 7.00 m (22 ft 11¾ in)
• Wingspan: 15.00 m (49 ft 2½ in)
• Height: 1.4 m (4 ft 7 in)
• Wing area: 11.0 m² (118.4 ft²)
• Aspect ratio: 20.5:1
• Empty weight: 230 kg (507 lb)
• Gross weight: 418 kg (921 lb)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 260 km/h (161 mph)
• Maximum glide ratio: 39:1
• Rate of sink: 0.59 m/s (116 ft/min)

Serial Numbering

WERKNUMMERN-SYSTEN FÜR SEGELFLUGZEUGE UND MOTORSEGLER
System of Serial Numbers for Glider and Motorglider

Example Serial Number: E.102.G.72

E - ELAN Manufacturer
102 - 102nd DG-100 built
G - DG-100G series
72 - 72nd built with damped elevator

References

• Taylor, John W. R. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83. London: Jane's Yearbooks, 1982. ISBN 0-7106-0748-2
• DG-Flugzeugbau DG-100 Technical Notes
• Johnson R, An Flight Test Evaluation of the DG-101G, Soaring, May 1985
• Sailplane Directory
• Images of DG-101G ELAN