Arcus
Role	Two Seater Class glider Type of aircraft
National origin	Germany
Manufacturer	Schempp-Hirth
First flight	2009
Number built	400 as of Dec 2023 [1]

The Schempp-Hirth Arcus is a flapped Two Seater Class glider in production by Schempp-Hirth. It first flew 7 April 2009. It is offered in addition to the Duo Discus which is an unflapped 20 metre two-seater, whose fuselage it shares. The wings have flaperons integrated along the whole span.^[2]

It is available as a pure glider, a turbo using the Solo 2350-engine, and as a self-launching glider using the Solo 2625-02i. An electric power unit based on Antares 20E equipment was produced until end 2016 when cooperation with Lange stopped.^[3]

Variants

Arcus

Production variant with a 20 m wingspan.

Arcus T

Production variant with self-sustaining capabilities, using the Solo 2350 engine.

Arcus M

Production variant with self-launching capabilities, using the Solo 2625-02i engine.

Arcus E

Production variant with self-launching capabilities, using the EM42 electric motor.

Specifications

Data from Schempp-Hirth.^[4]

General characteristics

• Crew: Two
• Capacity: 185 kg (407) water ballast
• Length: 8.73 m (28 ft 7.7 in)
• Wingspan: 20.00 m (65 ft 7.4 in)
• Wing area: 15.6 m² (167.9 sq ft)
• Aspect ratio: 25.7
• Empty weight: 430 kg (948 lb)
• Gross weight: 800 kg (1,764 lb)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 280 km/h (174 mph, 151 kn)
• Maximum glide ratio: 50
• Rate of sink: 0.56 m/s (110 ft/min)