The Schempp Hirth Nimbus is a high-performance sailplane admired for its long wingspan, exceptional glide ratio, and record-setting soaring capabilities, making it a top choice for serious glider pilots. Discover Schempp Hirth Nimbus aircraft for sale worldwide on AvPay. Browse active Schempp Hirth Nimbus listings and find available aircraft across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. 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 for Sale on AvPay
AvPay lists Schempp Hirth Nimbus gliders for sale worldwide, connecting buyers and sellers across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and beyond. Use our aircraft marketplace to compare new and used Nimbus listings from trusted private sellers, flying clubs, and glider brokers.
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Interesting facts about the Schempp Hirth Nimbus
✈ The Nimbus series is Schempp Hirth’s Open Class flagship, created by designer Klaus Holighaus for long range cross country soaring and record attempts.
✈ Nimbus-4 variants use a 26.5 m wing with very high aspect ratio to achieve a best glide ratio of about 60:1 at roughly 110 km/h in still air.
✈ The family includes pure gliders and motor gliders. T models carry a sustainer, and M models are self launching with a retractable pylon engine.
✈ Composite construction combines carbon, glass, and Kevlar in the fuselage and wing, with multi part ailerons and full span flaps for performance control.
✈ Two seat 4D derivatives offer Open Class performance for training and shared cross country flights while retaining the 26.5 m span.
✈ Water ballast capacity allows pilots to tune wing loading for speed tasks, then dump ballast for better climb in weak lift during a flight.
✈ The Nimbus line evolved from the Nimbus-2 and Nimbus-3. Later 4 series aircraft improved span, planform, control harmony, and structure.
✈ Buyers should verify rigging aids, trailer condition, wingtip options, oxygen systems, and any repairs completed under approved methods.
Schempp Hirth Nimbus Specifications
Information provided here is as a guide only. Do not use it for flight planning or aircraft operations. Variants, modifications, options, and age can change specific details. Always confirm exact specifications with the seller, manufacturer, or aviation authority.
Length: 7.83 m (25 ft 8 in) [Nimbus-4 family]
Wingspan: 26.50 m (87 ft 0 in) [Nimbus-4 family]
Wing Area: 17.86 m² (192.24 sq ft) [Nimbus-4 family]
Empty Weight: 595 kg (1,312 lb) [typical 4DM data]
Max Take Off Weight (MTOW): 820 kg (1,808 lb) [typical 4DM data]
Cruise Speed (best L/D region): about 142 km/h (88 mph, 77–78 kn) [Nimbus-4 family]
Maximum Glide Ratio: 60:1 at about 110 km/h (59 kn) [Nimbus-4 family]
Minimum Sink Rate: about 0.38 m/s (75 ft/min) [Nimbus-4 family]
Water Ballast: variant dependent; confirm tank fitment and capacity on each aircraft
FAQs About the Schempp Hirth Nimbus
How much does a Schempp Hirth Nimbus cost?
Prices vary by variant, engine fit, avionics, and condition. During 2024 to 2025, public listings showed self launching Nimbus-4M examples advertised around $145,000 USD, while some earlier Nimbus-3 listings ranged from the mid $80,000s USD to six figures depending on equipment. Always verify current pricing for the exact aircraft, specification, and location.
Which Nimbus variant should I choose?
Select a pure glider if you operate from a tow equipped airfield and want the lightest configuration. Choose a 4T if you want a sustainer for outlanding avoidance. Pick a 4M if you need independent self launch capability and flexible task planning.
What should I check during a pre purchase inspection?
Review logbooks, repair records, and ADs or SBs. Inspect composite structure and control linkages, verify wing and tail rigging play limits, confirm water ballast plumbing, and check engine hours and calendar limits on T or M variants. Assess trailer condition and wingtip options.
What performance can I expect?
With the 26.5 m wing, pilots report a best glide ratio near 60:1 and very low minimum sink. Water ballast raises cruising speeds for strong weather. Always fly within the operating handbook and speed limits.
Is the Nimbus suitable for club training?
The Nimbus is an Open Class high performance type. Most clubs reserve it for experienced cross country pilots. Two seat Nimbus-4D variants support coaching and mentoring, but owners should confirm insurance and differences training requirements.
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