Stemme S10-Vt

Single Piston

The Stemme S10 is a German-engineered motor glider that bridges the gap between pure sailplanes and powered aircraft, offering pilots the best of both worlds. Built by Stemme GmbH beginning in the late 1980s, the S10 features a sleek composite airframe with a 23-meter wingspan and a retractable Rotax 914 turbocharged engine that folds into the fuselage behind the cockpit when not in use. This unique design allows the aircraft to soar silently like a glider with a glide ratio exceeding 50:1, then restart its engine mid-flight for powered cruise at around 140 knots or to climb back to altitude. The S10's operational envelope is remarkable for its category: it can cruise efficiently at altitudes up to 25,000 feet, far higher than typical general aviation singles, thanks to its turbocharged engine and exceptional aerodynamic efficiency. The side-by-side seating configuration and long endurance make it popular for cross-country touring, aerial photography, and pipeline patrol missions where fuel economy and loiter capability matter more than raw speed. Its ability to shut down the engine and glide silently also makes it valuable for environmental monitoring and wildlife observation work. While the Stemme remains a niche aircraft with only a few hundred built worldwide, it has earned a devoted following among pilots who appreciate its engineering sophistication and versatility. The type has found roles beyond recreation, including utility operations like the agricultural and nursery work suggested by some U.S. operators. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with the largest observed operator.