[Leica] IMG: Stemme S10-vt Motorglider

[Jim Nichols]

Glider enthusiasts can now have the best of both worlds, powered flight 
and a record-setting sailplane.  The Stemme S10-vt motorglider is built 
in Germany and distributed in North America from Colombia, SC.  The 
company demonstrator arrived this afternoon in preparation for the AOPA 
fly-in which takes place this weekend. I was happy to get a chance for a 
close look.

The airplane is powered by a 115hp Rotax turbocharged engine that is 
installed behind the cockpit, which drives a concealable folding 
propeller behind the nosecone.  It can cruise comfortably at 120 knots, 
and carries oxygen to go along with its service ceiling of 30,000 ft.  
With a high aspect ratio wing, it has a 50:1 glide ratio in glider 
configuration.  The long wing is folded to enable it to make use of 
normal storage.

The demonstration pilot gave me a big wave when he arrived.
http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Stemme+1.tif.html

I was impressed by the instrument panel.
http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Stemme+2.tif.html

I had seen pictures of the folding prop, but had never seen one up 
close.  The engine and prop can make normal takeoffs and climbs, can be 
stopped and stowed in the air, and can be repositioned and restarted in 
the air if necessary.
http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Stemme+3.tif.html

The wing hinges permit folding by one man, so that normal parking or 
hangar spaces can be utilized.
http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Stemme+4.tif.html

This shows the right wing in the folded and stowed position.
http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Stemme+5.tif.html

All photos with the X-E1 and 27mm

Comments and critiques welcomed.

-- 
Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA