Motor Gliders & Motorized Sailplanes for Sale

Gliders (also known as sailplanes) are aircraft similar in general structure to an airplane, but without an engine. Flight is supported by rising currents of air, however some gliders are equipped with a means of propulsion (MoP), making them capable of continuous flight and are sometimes even capable of self-launching.

A glider needs help to get into the air. Normally it is either towed into air by powered aircraft (aerotow) or kited up using powerful winch (winch launch). Some clubs that are located at the top of hills or ridges launch by means of bungee. Once launched, sailplanes stay airborne by making use of the rising currents of air, soaring by means of lift produced by thermals and wind deflecting upward by mountain ridges.

Motor gliders are able to self-launch by means of a built-in engine and are mostly certified to carry one or two occupants. Most motor gliders are limited to a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 2,200 lbs (850kg), however there are some exceptions such as the Grob Vigilant TMk1, which had a MTOW of 908kg. Motor gliders can be equipped with a fixed pitch, variable pitch or retractable propeller.

A Touring Motor Glider is fitted with an internally mounted, non-retractable engine and fixed or variable pitch propeller. It is a specific class of powered sailplane that has the capability of taking off and climbing under its own power.

Retractable propellers are typically mounted on a mast that rotates upwards and forwards from the fuselage, to the rear of the cockpit. The engine is normally situated near the top of the mast, however in newer motor glider designs the engine is fixed in the fuselage, reducing drag and noise. The engine bay doors open and close automatically, much the same as landing gear doors.

Sustainer motor gliders have to be launched by either aerotow or winch. The engine of a sustainer motor glider typically comprises of a two stroke 18 – 30hp air cooled engine with no alternator or starter motor. In order to get the engine to start, sustainer motor gliders make use of wind milling the propeller. Because the sustainer motor glider is not equipped with a throttle, it makes use of a cable to open and close the decompression valves of each cylinder, allowing the engine to turn easily for starting.

Self-launching motor gliders are equipped with an engine that provides it with enough thrust and initial climb rate, allowing for unassisted take-offs from airfields. The engines normally have a starter motor, large battery and alternator. Self-launching motor gliders can be launched in the same fashion as conventional piston aircraft.

Cross Over Motor Gliders possess the ability to soar in ridge, wave or thermals and the capacity to fly cross country as a Touring Motor Glider, for example the AMS Flight Carat A motor sailplane.

Electrical Motor Gliders are not fitted with an internal combustion engine but make use of electric power to sustain flight but is unable to launch itself. The Schempp-Hirth Ventus 3, HPH Shark and ESAG LAK-17B all offer the option of FES for self-launching.

New generation Motor Gliders fitted with Jet engines includes the experimental LET L-13TJ Blanik, Jonker JS-1 Revelation and the Schempp-Hirth Ventus 2. The first motor glider with self-launch capability and fitted with a jet engine was the Caproni Vizzola Calif.

Historical classic motor gliders dating back to the 1930’s,40’s and 50’s have an unique charm to them, though unfortunately not many are still flying and are very rarely available for sale.

There are first generation glass fibre gliders from the 1970’s and 1980’s that are still operating and are very popular in mid-range budget. You can expect to pay anything from $10,000 up to $40,000 for gliders such as the Fournier RF-5, Scheibe SF.25C, Motorfalke, HB-Flugtechnik HB-21 Hobbyliner and Grob 109B.

Modern carbon/glass fibre gliders are built with precision performance in mind and are equipped with finely-tuned, high technology instruments that enhance glider performance, farther distance travelling and high speed.

1. Jonker Sailplanes JS3 Rapture (New Approximately EUR €148,200*)

* The estimated cost of a Jonker Sailplane JS3 Rapture above is based on the airframe, 18m wingtips and equipped with the Jet engine.

Setting the bar in the 18m class, the JS3 Rapture is manufactured by Jonker Sailplanes founded by the two brothers Attie and Uys Jonker based in Potchefstroom, South Africa. The Jonker JS3 Rapture is renowned for its high-speed capability and its high wing design that reduces drag. The Jonker JS3 has a panoramic canopy providing the pilot with excellent visibility. The cockpit has been ergonomically designed with the instruments within comfortable reach of the pilot.

2. Pipistrel Taurus LSA (New - approximately $105,000)

The Taurus LSA, manufactured by Slovenian aircraft company Pipistrel, is the only self-launched side-by-side two-seater glider that delivers all the advantages of a LSA category aircraft available on the current market. The Taurus LSA is capable of unassisted take-offs on short runways. The Taurus LSA is equipped with an Intelligent Engine Control System that is fully automated and ensures that the propeller is correctly positioned when the engine is retracted. The cockpit is spacious and comfortable, full dual controls are ergonomically positioned and there’s an aft baggage compartment located behind the seat to provide for ample storage.

3. Sonex Xenos-B (Build and Fly $47,000)

Sonex Aircraft is a small manufacturing company producing the Xenos-B based at Oshkosh, Wisconsin in the United States of America. The Sonex Xenos-B is a lightweight, two-seater motor glider with low wing and a Y-tail. The Sonex Xenos-B is equipped with a dual screen glass cockpit, provided by MGL’s iEFIS Explorer 8.5” display system.

4. Valentin Taifun 17E/E II Motor Glider (Pre-Owned – Average $45,000 - $65,000)

Designed and built by Valentin Flugzeugbau Gmbh in Hasfurt, Germany, the Valentin Taifun is a two-seater, self-launching low wing cantilever sailplane constructed from all glass-fibre with manually operated retractable tricycle landing gear.

5. Grob G-109B (Pre-Owned – Average $40,000 - $55,000)

The Grob G109 first flew in 1980. It is a light two-seat, self-launching motor glider developed and produced by Grob Aircraft AG in Mindelheim Mattsies, Germany. The G109B replaced the G109A in 1984. The Grob G109B is powered by the Grob 2500 E1 or retrofitted Rotax 912 engine and is equipped with a two blade manually operated variable pitch propeller. Conventional controls are duplicated for both passenger and pilot’s seats.

A motor glider mainly uses its engine for launching itself and for sustaining flight in the air. It does not have a great fuel capacity and cannot therefore operate for an extended period of time utilizing its engine, relying on its soaring or gliding ability to sustain flight.

Aircraft, on the other hand, rely on an engine that burns fuel in order to operate. Normally it flies faster and farther than a motor glider but does not have the ability to glide very far unpowered.

Motor gliders have longer wings than Light Sport Aircraft, have lower stall speeds, generally have a slower rate of climb and have near-STOL capabilities.

For example, the two-seat Czech Pure Flight U15 Phoenix is fitted with a Rotax 912 (80 hp) petrol engine and only has a fuel capacity of 100l, but has an endurance of up to eight hours of flight with a 647nm (1200km) range cruising at a speed of VB 200km/h. Its glide ratio is 1:30. The wingspan of Pure Flight U15 Phoenix 49 ft 2 in (15m)

In comparison the Cessna 152 is an American two-seater aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear. It is equipped with a Lycoming O-235-N2C 180 Hp engine, a fuel capacity of 38 US gallons with the ability to cruise at 105 kts over a 315nm (583 km) range.  It has a glide ratio of 1.5 nm per 1000ft. The Cessna 152 has a wingspan of 33 ft 4 in (10.16m).

1. Diamond DA20i Katana

Originating from the designs of Wolf Hoffman and initially introduced as the Hoffmann H36 Dimona, this touring motor glider was originally produced by Hofmann Flugzeubau. The Diamond DA20i Katana is currently being manufactured by Diamond Aircraft Industries.

The Diamond DA20i Katana is a side-by-side two-seater aircraft built from fibre-reinforced high-tech composite materials, ideally used for training and recreational purposes. The Diamond DA20i Katana is equipped with a Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine that produces 100hp and fuel grades include Avgas, Mogas and Super EN228 options. The Diamond DA20i Katana is also fitted with a two blade MT constant speed propeller.

The Diamond DA20i Katana sports a comfortable, spacious cockpit with a choice of leather or sheepskin seating options, four-point safety harnesses and the Garmin G500TXi Glass Cockpit Avionics Suite. The windows allow for excellent visibility.

2. Europa Aircraft XS Long Wing (Motorglider)

The Europa Aircraft SX Long Wing (Motorglider) is sold as a kit and is very easy to build with the manufacturers estimating assembly of approximately 1,500 hours. Europa Aircraft recommends that the Long Wing (Motorglider) be fitted with a Rotax engine seeing that it uses Mogas, which is readily available at most airfields and local garages.

The latest version of the Europa Aircraft XS Long Wing (Motorglider) is equipped with fully interchangeable wings, making this touring motor glider a 2-in-1 aircraft. Europa Aircraft offers the XS Long Wing (Motorglider) in two options, making it available in monowheel or tri-gear. 

The Europa Aircraft XS Long Wing (Motorglider) is a two-seat composite aircraft that is designed for quick de-rigging and can be safely stored on its trailer in the garage. Europa Aircraft ensures that the XS Long Wing (Motorglider) delivers excellent performance and provides a comfortable cabin with generous baggage capacity.

3. Distar UFM 13/15 Lambada

Distar Air is a Czech aircraft manufacturer specializing in the production of light aircraft that are ready-to-fly in kit and amateur construction. One of their most popular aircraft is the two-seater, single engine UFM13/15 Lambada.

The Distar UFM 13/15 Lambada comprises of an all-composite structure, with the fuselage made from carbon glass composite formed by sandwich structure and the flanges of the wing constructed from carbon rosiny. It converts easily from 13m to 15m. It boasts a fuel capacity of two 50l tanks. Distar offers the UFM 13/15 Lambada landing gear configuration in two options: tricycle with controlled nose wheel or two-wheel controlled tailwheel.

4. Sonex Aircraft Xenos-B

Designed as a touring long-wing motor glider, the Sonex Aircraft Xenos-B is a two-seater lightweight tail dragger. Sonex offers two engine options – the Aerovee 80hp or the Jabiru 120hp engine and it is equipped with a Sensenich two blade propeller. Complete airframe kits or quick build kits are also available. The Sonex Xenos-B has a unique Y-tail configuration with mixed rudder and elevator controls for superior handling. The Sonex Xenos-B boasts a wingspan of 40ft, and flapless wings with ailerons and spoilers.

5. Pipistrel Sinus 912 Flex

Developed and manufactured by Pipistrel in Slovenia and Italy, the Sinus 912 Flex is a side-by-side two-seat motor glider with a 15m wingspan and a glide ratio of 27:1, when the propeller is feathered, providing endless hours in thermals. It has the ability to take-off and land on very short runways. The Pipistrel Sinus 912 Flex has a spacious cockpit and various instrument options.

1. Air Atos Wing

A-I-R Aeronautic Innovation Ruhle & Co GmbH manufactures the Air Atos Wing, a single seat ultra-light electric motor glider used for thermal flying and also almost silent travel motor glider with short starting and landing capabilities.

2. AMS Carat A

AMS offers the single seat Carat A powered glider for ideal for soaring or fast cruising and economical to maintain. It is a pure sailplane and touring motor glider in one. Powered by the four cylinders, four stroke Sauer S1800-1ES1C engine, it produces low noise and economical fuel consumption. Rigging can be completed by one person in less than 15 minutes and de-rigged it fits into a normal sailplane trailer. The cockpit is spacious, the instrument panel is VFR equipped and it boasts a baggage compartment that can accommodate up to 150kg (330lbs)

3. Diamond DA20i Katana

The Diamond DA20i Katana is mostly used for private flying and is also very popular for use in flight schools. The Diamond DA20i Katana has a two-seat capacity, and it is powered by the Rotax 912iSc3 100hp engine. The spacious cockpit is equipped with bucket seats in leather or sheepskin, four-point inertial reel safety harnesses and the instrument panel boasts the Garmin Glass Cockpit which is EASA certified for Night VFR. The panoramic canopy provides excellent visibility.

4. Pipistrel Taurus M and Sinus 912 Flex

Pipistrel manufactures the Taurus M two-seater side-by-side self-launching motor glider with twin landing gear. The Pipistrel Taurus M is powered by a two stroke, two-cylinder engine that produces 50hp and has terrific gliding characteristics. The Pipistrel Taurus M is constructed from composite materials including Kevlar, glass, carbon and epoxy resin. It has a 15m wingspan and can reach up to 88 kts (163km/h) manoeuvring speed. 

Also on offer by Slovenian aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel is the Sinus 912 Flex. This too is a two-seat side-by-side glider capable of cross country flying and used for training. The Sinus 912 Flex is powered by the Rotax 912 UL2 80 hp engine. The Pipistrel Sinus 912 Flex has a 15m wingspan and can reach a best glide ratio speed of 51kts (95km/h). The Pipistrel Sinus 912 Flex’s wide canopy provides excellent visibility. Pipistrel’s Sinus 912 Flex has accomplished a multitude aviation achievements, awards and records.

5. Stemme Grand Tourer S12-G

German glider manufacturer Stemme produces the Grand Tourer S12-G. Powered by the Rotax 914F2/S1 Turbo engine, the Stemme Grand Tourer S12-G can reach a cruising speed of 140kts (259km/h) and with its foldable propeller it only takes 5 seconds to convert from glide to engine mode. Avionics are provided by Garmin’s G3X Avionics Suite including autopilot, ADHRS, Moving Map and Digital Engine Monitoring System. Standard on the Stemme Grand Tourer S12-G you will find the AVEO Integrated StarLET System with collision avoidance LED lights.

A Motor glider is a fixed wing aircraft that can be flown with or without engine power. Motor gliders have substantially longer wings than normal light aircraft. Motorized sailplanes are basic flying machines with only a few instruments, the most important being the little cotton thread that is attached to canopy helping you to stay in balanced flight.

Because a motor glider is certified as a glider, pilots can fly without the requirement of a medical certificate as is the case in Light Sport Aircraft. It is left to the pilot’s own discretion to determine whether he or she is fit to fly – self certification.

Motorized sailplanes have an electrical system which allows for the aircraft to be equipped with radios, a GPS system, transponder/encoders allowing flight into Class D airspace.

Motorized sailplanes can glide farther than other types of aircraft, providing for a more confident pilot, increasing broader safety margins. In many cases if you suffer Power Loss After Take-Off (PLATO), you’ll be able to turn back to the airfield and carry-out a safe landing. In the case of the Grob 109B Vigilant, a turn-back following a PLATO was possible from 250 feet.

Rene Fornier designed the two-seat RF-5 comprising of wooden wings and a fuselage constructed with plywood and fabric covering.  The Fournier FR-5 received its domestic type certification in the powered sailplane category in March 1969. Production started in 1968 and approximately 200 units were delivered by the time production ended in 1979. Only 32 accidents have been recorded from May 1970 – June 2018 and only 12 fatalities in over 50 years history. An incredibly impressive safety record!

The last recorded fatal accident occurred on the 13^th of December 2015 when a pilot accompanied by his daughter took off from Rottweil-Zapfenhain routing to Trier-Fohren collided with a broadcasting tower in Dieblich, Germany, fatally injuring both occupants. Bad visibility and fog were reported at the time of the accident.

With a remarkable safety record the Grob 109B took its first flight in 1981. Initially built as the Grob G109A, the type was upgraded in 1984 to the Grob G109B and over 476 aircraft were built. Only 57 accidents have been recorded spanning over 41 years with 14 fatalities recorded to date.    

The last fatal accident occurred on the 10^th of June 2018 when a Grob 109B impacted a dead tree whilst conducting a field landing during a training exercise at Usk Airfield, Wales. Although the engine was running during impact, it could not conclusively be determined whether the engine suffered a problem such as carburettor icing during descent. It is considered that the pilots were unaware of the tree until it was too late to avoid. Unfortunately, the pilot and the instructor succumbed to their injuries.

Introduced by Stemme AG (based in Germany) in the late 1980’s, the Stemme S10 is a self-launching two-seater side-by-side sailplane where the engine is mouthed amidships and features a rare folding propeller stored in the aircraft’s nose cone. Since its first flight in 1986, over 36 years 21 occurrences have been recorded and with a total of 17 fatalities.

The worst accident involving the Stemme S10-VT occurred on the 29^th of June 2013, when a Cessna 150 collided with a Stemme S10-VT mid-air near Pemberton Airfield, in British Columbia. Both aircraft were completely destroyed. Two occupants travelling in the Cessna 150 and two occupants in the Stemme S10-VT were fatally injured.