Scheibe Flugzeugbau
Sportavia-Pützer SFS 31 Milan
The Sportavia‑Pützer SFS 31 Milan is a two‑seat, low‑wing motor glider that entered production in the early 1970s under a cooperation between Sportavia‑Pützer and the German manufacturer Scheibe Flugzeugbau. Designed to bridge the gap between pure sailplanes and light aircraft, the Milan first flew on 14 May 1971 and quickly gained approval from both European and American aviation authorities. Its airframe is built from a combination of aluminum ribs and a fiberglass‑covered wing, giving a smooth laminar flow profile and a maximum glide ratio of 31:1. Powered by a 80 hp Limbach L2000E two‑stroke engine driving a three‑bladed propeller, the aircraft can self‑launch, reach cruise speeds of 210 km/h, and still achieve a climb rate of 3 m/s. The cockpit features side‑by‑side seating, a fully instrumented panel, and a transparent canopy that provides excellent visibility for training and cross‑country flights. The Milan’s versatility made it popular with flying clubs and aero‑clubs, influencing later motor‑glider designs and demonstrating that high‑performance soaring can be combined with reliable engine operation, a concept that helped shape modern sport aviation. Today only a handful remain airworthy, cherished by collectors for their elegant handling and historic role in linking powered flight with pure gliding.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 1969