Schempp-Hirth Arcus

Single Piston

The Schempp-Hirth Arcus is a high-performance side-by-side two-seat self-launching sailplane that blurs the line between pure glider and light sport aircraft. Introduced in 2006 by the renowned German manufacturer Schempp-Hirth, the Arcus combines exceptional soaring performance with the convenience of a retractable Rotax piston engine, allowing pilots to launch independently and sustain flight without ground support or towplanes. Its 20-meter wingspan and sleek composite construction deliver a glide ratio exceeding 45:1, making it competitive with pure sailplanes while offering the flexibility of powered flight when thermals weaken or weather turns. The Arcus is particularly popular for cross-country soaring and glider training, where the side-by-side seating arrangement facilitates instruction far better than traditional tandem configurations. With a never-exceed speed of 168 knots and a maximum structural cruising speed of 135 knots, it operates comfortably in the same airspace as conventional light aircraft, yet can shut down its engine mid-flight and glide silently for hours on rising air currents. SkyMeter has tracked 6 flights across 2 airframes and 1 operators, covering routes.