M&H Soaring
Schempp-Hirth Discus 2b

Technical Data for Discus 2b | Panel Layout Options | Standard Features and Options
Three View Drawings | Schempp-Hirth Flyer | Owner Comments | Photos
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The Discus 2b is the successor to the Discus, of which more than eight hundred have been manufactured. This design has continued the Schempp-Hirth tradition of superior Championship results by winning the US Standard Class National Championship in 2000. 

 Its design in based on:

  • an optimized wing geometry with a higher aspect ratio and a new airfoil section of lower drag and less sensitive to bugs
  • the aerodynamic advantages of the swept back wing and winglet as proven by the second Ventus generation
  • and last but not least the very high crash safety factor of the forward fuselage section achieved after extensive testing.
    • So the Discus 2 is no facelift variant of its predecessor, but a
    totally new development featuring a higher level of performance and even more pleasing handling qualities.

    The wing (with removable tips of a length of about 2.5 ft), having a slightly reduced area, is constructed in NC-manufactured highly precise negative molds as a glass/carbon fiber/foam sandwich with spar caps made from carbon fiber rovings. The boundary layer control is by means of turbulator tape.

    The horizontal tailplane, constructed as a GFRP/foam-sandwich, has a double trapezoid planform and also a new and thinner airfoil section.

    The standard fuselage features a fin with a wider chord and a thinner section, and is constructed as a hybrid fiber shell. Besides its attractive shape it also offers more leg room than its predecessor - in spite of the integration of diverse reinforcements to protect the pilot.

    The side-hinged canopy was retained to provide - in combination with the tilt-up instrument panel - optimum bail-out chances.

     
    Technical data and performances for Discus 2b
    Wing span 15 m 49.21 ft
    Wing area 10.16 m² 109.36 ft²
    Aspect ratio 22.2 22.2
    Fuselage length  6.81 m  22.34 ft
    Max. all-up mass 525 kg 1157 lb
    Empty mass approx.  240 kg 518 lb
    Wing loading 30.5-51.7 kg/m² 6.24-10.58 lb/ft²
    Max. water ballast 200 kg 52.8 US Gal/44 IMP Gal
    Max. permitted speed 250 km/h 135 kt | 155 mph
    Manuevering speed 200 km/h 108 kt | 124 mph
    Maximum L/D not yet measured
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