H-202 Standard Libelle

The H‑202 Standard Libelle, introduced by the German sailplane manufacturer Glasflügel in 1972, quickly became one of the most popular Standard‑Class gliders of its era. Developed as a successor to the earlier H‑201, the Standard Libelle incorporated lessons learned from the competition‑focused Pilot Wing and featured a sleek 15‑metre wingspan that conformed to the then‑new Standard‑Class regulations, which prohibited flaps and fixed ballast. Its wing construction used a combination of fiberglass skin and foam‑filled ribs, delivering an excellent strength‑to‑weight ratio and a smooth laminar‑flow airfoil that provided superior glide performance, typically achieving a best‑L/D of 38 at 90 km/h. The cockpit was ergonomically shaped, with a reclined pilot position, a bubble canopy for unobstructed visibility, and a minimalist instrument panel that emphasized simplicity and reliability. Over 500 examples were built, and the Libelle earned a reputation for gentle handling, making it a favorite in flight schools and club fleets worldwide. Its success helped cement Glasflügel’s reputation for innovative composite construction and contributed to the rapid evolution of modern high‑performance sailplanes during the 1970s and 1980s. Today the H‑202 remains a cherished classic, often restored by enthusiasts who value its graceful handling and pioneering fiberglass construction, and it still influences modern glider design.