Scheibe Bergfalke-IV

The Scheibe Bergfalke‑IV is a German single‑seat, high‑wing glider that entered production in 1968 under the auspices of Scheibe Flugzeugbau, a company founded by Rudolf Scheibe in Göppingen after World War II. Building on the successful Bergfalke series, the fourth iteration incorporated a more refined wooden construction with a lightweight plywood skin, a 15‑meter wingspan, and an improved airfoil (the Göttingen 549), which together delivered superior lift‑to‑drag characteristics for ridge and thermal soaring. The cockpit was fitted with a streamlined canopy and a simple yet durable control system, making the aircraft forgiving for novice pilots while still offering the handling precision demanded by experienced glider enthusiasts. Production numbers remained modest, with roughly 150 units built, but the Bergfalke‑IV quickly became a staple at German clubs, serving both training and competition roles throughout the 1970s. Its reputation for low operating costs, easy maintenance, and dependable performance cemented its place in post‑war European gliding history, illustrating Scheibe Flugzeugbau’s commitment to accessible, high‑quality sailplanes that helped revive recreational aviation in a recovering continent.