Glasflügel
Glasflügel H-301 Libelle
The Glasflügel H‑301 Libelle, introduced in 1970 by the German manufacturer Glasflügel, quickly became one of the most influential single‑seat sailplanes of the 1970s. Designed by Wilhelm Dirks and first flown on 12 April 1970, the Libelle pioneered the use of all‑fiberglass construction in a performance glider, replacing traditional wood and metal structures and allowing a sleek, weight‑optimized airframe. Its 15‑metre wingspan, equipped with full‑span flaperons and Schempp‑Hirth air‑brakes, delivered a remarkable lift‑to‑drag ratio of about 38:1, while the slender, laminar‑flow wing profile provided exceptional glide performance in both competition and cross‑country flights. Production ran from 1970 to 1979, delivering roughly 2 400 units and establishing a reputation for durability, ease of handling, and forgiving stall characteristics, making the Libelle a popular choice for both seasoned racers and flight‑training clubs. The aircraft’s innovative composite techniques set a new benchmark, influencing subsequent designs such as the Glasflügel H‑201 Standard‑Libelle and many later European gliders. Its legacy endures in modern sailplane engineering, where fiberglass and refined aerodynamic concepts first demonstrated by the H‑301 continue to shape high‑performance, low‑maintenance aircraft worldwide.
