Discus-2c FES
Discus-2c FES is a German built 18 meter class electric sailplane designed for high performance cross country soaring. It features a 4.2 kWh battery, 22 kW electric motor and 100 km flying range. With a top speed of 280 km per hour and a 45:1 glide ratio, it combines pure gliding efficiency with push button electric propulsion for enhanced safety and extended flight capability.
User Rating: 3 / 5 (73 votes)
| manufactured in | Germany |
| model year | 2026 |
| battery capacity (kWh) | 4.2 |
| flying time (min) | 45 |
| flying range (km) | 100 |
| max. speed (km/h) | 280 |
| weight (kg) | 315 |
| passengers (qty) | 1 |
| cargo capacity (kg) | 200 |
* Minimum price set for the base trim by the manufacturer
Discus-2c FES Review
Discus-2c FES Introduction:
Discus-2c FES arrives from Germany as a premium 18 meter class electric sailplane engineered for pilots who crave high performance soaring with an electric safety net. Built by Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, it targets competitive cross country flyers and progressive soaring clubs. Production of the refined 2026 model integrates the latest Front Electric Sustainer system and digital avionics. Positioned in the upper tier of the performance sailplane segment, it carries a base price of $155,000 USD (€130,412). With a 4.2 kWh lithium polymer battery and 100 km flying range, it offers emission free propulsion in a lightweight 315 kg airframe. Its primary differentiator lies in seamless electric integration that preserves glide efficiency and harmonic handling.
- Manufactured in Germany by Schempp-Hirth, a respected name in competitive soaring aircraft.
- Originally introduced in 2015, with 2026 refinement focusing on advanced avionics and improved electric sustainer integration.
- Base configuration starts at $155,000 USD (€130,412), placing it firmly in the premium sailplane category.
- Designed as an electric sailplane that merges pure gliding performance with push button propulsion security.
- Appeals to cross country pilots who value long glide ratios and sustainable aviation technology.
How much does the Discus-2c FES cost?
The Discus-2c FES price starts at $195,000 USD (€164,067) for the sustainer configuration. The pure sailplane variant begins at $155,000 USD (€130,412). Pricing places it in the high performance electric glider segment aimed at serious aviators and elite clubs.
| Trim Level | PRICE | KEY FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
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Discus-2c Pure Sailplane
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18 m wingspan, 45:1 glide ratio, carbon fiber fuselage, no motor system, optimized for competition soaring and club performance.
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Discus-2c FES
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22 kW electric motor, 4.2 kWh battery, 100 km range, foldable nose propeller, advanced LXNAV avionics suite.
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Discus-2cT
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Solo 2350 combustion sustainer, extended endurance, traditional engine integration with competitive glide performance.
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FES Club Edition
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Electric sustainer, simplified avionics package, club friendly configuration with lower equipment complexity.
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Each trim targets a different pilot profile. The pure sailplane focuses on racing purity. The FES version prioritizes electric safety and range extension. The combustion variant suits those preferring fuel backup. Club Edition balances cost and capability.
Engine, Battery, and Performance Specs:
Battery & Charging Specifications
The electric propulsion relies on dual Gen2 lithium polymer battery packs rated at 4.2 kWh. That capacity supports an estimated 100 km flying range in sustainer mode. Charging takes about 5.5 hours on standard AC power. Fast charging reduces time to roughly 1.5 hours. For pilots managing cross country flights, quick recharge cycles enhance operational readiness.
- Battery Capacity: 4.2 kWh
- Flying Range: 100 km or 62 miles
- Charging Time AC: 5.5 hours
- Charging Time Fast: 1.5 hours
Electric Motor Specifications
The front electric sustainer delivers 22 kW or 30 hp. Power deploys instantly via foldable nose propeller. The system integrates smoothly within the fuselage to maintain aerodynamic integrity. With a curb weight of 315 kg or 694 lbs, the airframe preserves agility and glide efficiency.
- Motor Output: 22 kW or 30 hp
- Configuration: Front Electric Sustainer
- Empty Weight: 315 kg or 694 lbs
- Passengers: 1
Performance Specifications
Top speed reaches 280 km per hour or 174 mph at VNE. Glide ratio stands near 45:1, ideal for long cross country routes. Maximum flying time approaches 45 minutes under power assist. The 18 meter wingspan enhances stability and cruise efficiency.
- Top Speed: 280 km per hour or 174 mph
- Glide Ratio: 45:1
- Flying Time: 45 minutes
- Wingspan: 18 m or 59 ft
For ambitious pilots, the advantage lies in electric reassurance combined with elite glide performance. It extends flight options without sacrificing aerodynamic purity.
Exterior and Interior Features
Exterior Design
The carbon fiber reinforced fuselage minimizes drag and weight. High gloss white polyurethane finish protects composite materials from UV exposure. Maughmer winglets improve roll stability and efficiency. The 6.78 m length equals 22.2 feet, delivering sleek proportions. A single piece canopy ensures full visibility during thermalling.
Interior & Technology
The cockpit integrates advanced digital avionics such as LXNAV 9070 flight computers. Pilots access moving map navigation and thermal assistants. Kevlar reinforced safety cockpit enhances structural protection. Adjustable seating supports long endurance flights. The FES control unit displays battery voltage and motor time data clearly.
Exterior efficiency and interior ergonomics create a focused flying environment. Pilots gain confidence through visibility and data clarity. Every surface and instrument serves performance goals.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Electric sustainer with 100 km range
- High 45:1 glide ratio
- Premium German engineering
- Advanced digital avionics
- Strong resale value
Cons
- Premium price positioning
- Single seat configuration only
- Limited cargo beyond ballast capacity
Market position & Expert Data:
The 18 meter class electric sailplane segment grows steadily across Europe and North America. According to Reuters, sustainable aviation technologies show increasing investment trends in 2026. Data reveals over 20 percent annual growth in electric aircraft development funding.
Research from McKinsey highlights electric propulsion as a rising niche in general aviation. Industry analysts cite reduced operational costs and zero emission capability as primary demand drivers. In Germany and the USA, soaring clubs increasingly favor electric sustainer gliders for safety and compliance.
Conclusion:
Discus-2c FES offers elite soaring performance with electric reassurance built in. It pairs a 45:1 glide ratio with 22 kW of silent propulsion. German craftsmanship and advanced avionics elevate pilot confidence. For cross country enthusiasts seeking sustainable aviation, it stands as a compelling high performance electric sailplane.
Exterior and Interior photos of Discus-2c FES
Watch the Video Overview
Full Specifications List:
Model Specs
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Model Name
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Discus-2c FES
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Model Year
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2026
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Vehicle Class
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18 meter class high performance electric sailplane
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Manufacturer
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Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH
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Country of Origin
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Germany
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Performance
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Power Type
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Front Electric Sustainer
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Motor Output
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22 kW or 30 hp
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Maximum Speed VNE
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280 km per hour or 174 mph
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Glide Ratio
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45 to 1
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Flying Time Under Power
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45 minutes
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Battery and Charging
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Battery Capacity
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4.2 kWh lithium polymer
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Charging Time AC
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5.5 hours
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Fast Charging Time
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1.5 hours
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Estimated Range Data
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Electric Flying Range
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100 km or 62 miles
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Body Specifications
| Specification | Actual Data |
|---|---|
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Length
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6.78 m or 22.2 ft
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Wingspan
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18.00 m or 59.05 ft
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Height
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1.30 m or 4.27 ft
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Empty Weight
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315 kg or 694 lbs
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Cargo Capacity Water Ballast
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200 kg or 441 lbs
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Exterior Design Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
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Fuselage Material
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Carbon fiber reinforced plastic monocoque
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Winglets
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Maughmer optimized winglets
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Propeller System
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Foldable carbon fiber nose propeller
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Interior Design and Materials
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
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Cockpit Structure
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Kevlar reinforced safety cockpit
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Seating
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Ergonomic adjustable single seat
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Cabin Technical Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
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Primary Avionics
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LXNAV 9070 digital flight computer with moving map navigation
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Collision Avoidance
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FLARM system with integrated transponder
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Motor Control Interface
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Dedicated FES control unit displaying voltage and remaining motor time
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Comparison:
When talking about the Schempp-Hirth Discus-2c FES and comparing it to other EV Golf Cars, its a stark contrast of high-flying aspirations and fairway cruising. The Discus-2c FES is a glider with a futuristic twist, but when it’s grounded, let’s drag it down to Earth and see how it stacks up.
Charging Speed and Power Output
The Schempp-Hirth Discus-2c FES gets airborne with a battery and electric motor acting as an auxiliary power unit. Its akin to the power packed inside the Star EV Classic 48-2+2 which packs a hefty 6.7 HP. Yet, compare that with the EZGO Express S4, which settles for a more modest burst of energy; and we’re in the realm of the plausible but not riveting. Charger speed, though: the Discus-2c bounces on a rapid charge platform, while many golf cars dawdle like your grandfather on a country walk.
Connector Types and Compatibility
Now, flipping to connectors, the Schempp-Hirth Discus-2c FES employs a bespoke, aviation-centric nib. Golf cars like the Club Car Tempo however, parade around with their bog-standard, one-size-fits-all philosophy – efficient but drearily predictable. The Yamaha Drive2 sticks to the old school with its lead-acid connectors, dragging it into the present by sheer force of habit.
Cost and Pricing Models
Zeroing in on cost, the Discus-2c doesn’t play nice. Its price has you clutching pearls, while the Star EV Classic has you merely raising an eyebrow. Roughly $60K gets you the EZGO Express, but the luxuriously spartan Discus-2c provides a taste of aerospace at prices north of sensible. USD sees it at $180,000, (£150,000, €170,000), turning it into less a golf cart and more a veritable flight of fancy.
Availability and Accessibility
Now, if it’s accessibility you’re after, the Schempp-Hirth Discus-2c FES is rarer than a blue moon. Contrast this with the ever-prevalent Club Car Tempo, seemingly in every golf nook and cranny, proliferating like rabbits. The Yamaha Drive2 straddles the middle, readily available but always lagging a step behind the cutting-edge curb.
Charging Station Features
The charging capabilities of the Schempp-Hirth Discus-2c FES tilt towards sophisticated; high-rate, high-tech, beyond the green. Meanwhile, the Star EV Classic’s charging stations are solid, dependable, common – they’re like the workhouse bread, practical but not exciting. The EZGO Express S4, capable yet conventional, falls between the meticulous finesse and simple reliability.
Top Speed and Performance on Different Terrains
In terms of top speed and terrain mastery, the Schempp-Hirth Discus-2c FES soars above, toying at 137 mph (220 km/h). The Star EV Classic waddles in at 19 mph (30.5 km/h), while the EZGO Express S4 does what it can on inclines without ever making you swoon. Hills or grass, they grind their gears and press on, whereas the Discus-2c simply glides overhead, a dismayed spectator of terrestrial toils.
Passenger and Equipment Space
Finally, passenger and equipment space – the Schempp-Hirth Discus-2c FES is princely for a pilot and a glider. The Star EV Classic generously nests four passengers, gazes disapprovingly at the paraphernalia spilling over. The Club Car Tempo, staunch and practical, fits bags and kits snugly, but the Yamaha Drive2, spacious yet conventional, strikes a middling pose in comfort and capacity.
