This unique single-seat powered sailplane, created by the Darmstadt Akaflieg, looks exactly like a Standard Class high-performance sailplane except for its low-mounted wing. It features a retractable two-blade folding propeller, driven by twin Fichtel & Sachs modified KM 914V engines situated in the nose cone.

 

The D-39 is an adaptation of the basic D-38 airframe, having the same glassfibre/balsa sandwich construction with ailerons of glassfibre/Klegecel foam sandwich, and Schempp-Hirth airbrakes on the upper wing surfaces. No flaps are fitted. It is equipped with a manually-retractable sprung monowheel, and accommodation comprises a semi-reclining seat under a flush canopy, the rear section of which is detachable.

 

The D-39 first flew on 28 June 1979.

D-39

Engines: 2 x Fichtel & Sachs KM 914V, 35 kW (47 hp)

Wing span: 15.0 m / 49 ft 2 in

Length: 7.15 m / 23 ft 5.5 in

Height: 1.02 m / 3 ft 4.5 in

Wing area: 11.0 sq.m / 118.4 sq ft

Wing section: Wortmann FX-61 -184/60-126

Aspect ratio: 20.5

Empty weight: 280 kg / 617 lb

Max weight: 400 kg / 882 lb

Water ballast: None

Max wing loading: 36.3 kg/sq.m / 7.43 lb/sq ft

Max speed: 135 kt / 250 km/h

Stalling speed: 39 kt / 72 km/h

Min sinking speed: 1.0 m/sec / 3.3 ft/sec

Best glide ratio: 36 at 56.5 kt / 105 km/h

T-O run: 200 m / 656 ft

Rate of climb at S/L: 240 m/min / 787 ft/min

Range: 500 km / 269 nm