The Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 is a single-seat Open Class sailplane built for high-performance soaring and competition flying. Discover Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 aircraft for sale worldwide on AvPay, explore live Nimbus 4 listings across the USA, North America, the UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America, then connect directly with aircraft brokers, private sellers, flying clubs, flight schools and manufacturers. Explore the full inventory of aircraft for sale on AvPay here!
Finding a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 for Sale on AvPay
AvPay offers a global marketplace for Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 high performance sailplanes, connecting buyers and sellers across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and beyond. Discover your ideal new or pre-owned Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 glider in our extensive online selection. This open class competition sailplane is known for its exceptional glide performance and advanced composite construction.
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Interesting facts about the Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4
✈ The Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 is an open class competition sailplane developed and built in Germany by Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau, a manufacturer with a long history of producing world championship winning gliders.
✈ The Nimbus 4 features a wingspan of 26.5 metres in its standard configuration, placing it firmly in the open class where designers prioritise maximum glide performance over span limits.
✈ The aircraft achieves a maximum glide ratio of 60 to 1, allowing pilots to travel significant cross country distances with minimal altitude loss in suitable lift conditions.
✈ The Nimbus 4 introduced a refined composite structure using glass fibre reinforced plastic, optimised for high aspect ratio wings and reduced drag at competition speeds.
✈ Several self launching and self sustaining variants were developed, giving owners independence from aerotow or winch launch infrastructure.
✈ The 4DM variant uses a Rotax 535C engine mounted behind the cockpit, retractable into the fuselage to maintain clean aerodynamic lines during soaring flight.
✈ With a maximum speed of 285 km per hour and a cruising speed around 142 km per hour in glide, the Nimbus 4 is engineered for high speed cross country competition tasks.
✈ The design supports both single seat and two seat configurations within the Nimbus 4 family, broadening its appeal to competition pilots and those seeking advanced training or record attempts.
Model Variants for buyers to consider when purchasing a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4
The Nimbus 4 family includes several distinct variants tailored to different operational needs. The single seat Nimbus 4 is a pure sailplane focused on open class competition performance. The Nimbus 4T is a self sustaining motor glider equipped with a SOLO 2350 engine that allows powered cruise without full self launch capability. The Nimbus 4M is a self launching motor glider using a retractable engine installation for independent take off. The Nimbus 4D introduced a two seat configuration for advanced cross country training and performance flying, while the 4DT and 4DM added self sustaining and self launching capability respectively. Extended fuselage versions such as the 4DL, 4DLT and 4DLM provide additional cockpit space for taller pilots, which can be a decisive factor for buyer comfort and long duration flights.
Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 Specifications
Information provided here is as a guide only. This information should not be used for flight planning or other aircraft operations. Aircraft model variations, custom specifications, modifications, upgrades and age will have a considerable impact on the details listed below. Please check with the seller, manufacturer or aviation authority for the precise aircraft specifications.
Length: 7.83 m (25 ft 8 in)
Wingspan: 26.5 m (87 ft 0 in)
Wing Area: 17.86 m² (192.24 sq ft)
Aspect Ratio: 38.8
Empty Weight: 595 kg (1,312 lb)
Maximum Take Off Weight: 820 kg (1,808 lb)
Cruise Speed: 142 km/h (88 mph, 78 kn)
Maximum Glide Ratio: 60:1
Rate of Sink: 0.38 m/s (75 ft/min)
FAQs About the Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4
How much does a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 cost?
As of 2023 reported market listings for well maintained Nimbus 4 and 4M variants typically ranged between $120,000 and $250,000 USD depending on total time, engine configuration and avionics fit.
Is the Nimbus 4 suitable for cross country competition flying?
Yes, the Nimbus 4 was designed specifically for open class competition and record attempts. Its 60 to 1 glide ratio and high aspect ratio wing make it highly competitive in long distance tasks.
What is the difference between the Nimbus 4M and 4T?
The 4M is a self launching motor glider capable of independent take off using a retractable engine. The 4T is a self sustaining version designed for powered cruise but typically requires an external launch.
Can the Nimbus 4 be operated without ground launch support?
Only the self launching variants such as the 4M and 4DM allow independent take off. Pure sailplane versions require aerotow or winch launch.
What type of pilot is the Nimbus 4 best suited for?
The Nimbus 4 is aimed at experienced soaring pilots seeking high performance open class competition capability rather than entry level training.
Get help buying a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4
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Sell your Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 on AvPay
Do you have a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 Aircraft for Sale? Get your sailplane listed on AvPay and get in front of buyers searching for a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 glider around the world. AvPay is a Zero Workload Website so you will never have to make your own updates and each aircraft listing will be featured on our Social Media Pages, giving you extra visibility in front of our 190,000+ followers. With AvPay you will not just generate enquiries on your Aircraft Listings. You will also generate enquiries through your Aircraft Broker Profile and through each of the Service Listings you include on our Aviation Marketplace Pages. Let AvPay promote your Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 aircraft for sale.
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Find Finance for buying a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4
Financing a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 sailplane often requires lenders who understand high value competition gliders and motor gliders. Specialist aviation finance providers can structure loans based on aircraft condition, engine hours for powered variants and expected residual value. Buyers should prepare detailed maintenance records and competition history to support valuation. Structured repayment terms can help competitive pilots manage ownership costs while preserving capital for upgrades and contest entry fees.
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Find Insurance for a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4
Insuring a Schempp-Hirth Nimbus 4 requires underwriters familiar with high performance open class sailplanes and motor gliders. Premiums depend on pilot experience in high aspect ratio gliders, total flight hours and competition activity. Hull value must reflect current market pricing and installed avionics or engine configuration for M and DM variants. Liability cover should consider cross country and international competition operations to ensure comprehensive protection.
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