DG-808C Competition
An excellent product was improved again!
From now on, our top-product will be available in 2 varieties.
Being an approved an established model, the DG-808C follows our bestseller DG-808B. This plane has everything needed for a “pleasure-pilot”. We made a successor of our "B". Details can be seen here:
Similar to the DG-808S, we created a new type for ambitioned contest-pilots. In this connection, it would almost be justifiable to call it a new model-family since so many improvements and changes influenced its construction.
The term “DG-808B” or “DG-808S” has meanwhile reached a well-established reputation; for this reason we decided to maintain the name instead of calling it a “DG-900”, for instance. Hence, our new model in continuation of the reliable and approved is:
“DG-808 C Competition”
The new “Competition”
- Obtains an extra-load of 600 kg MTOW with an reinforced outer wing
- Also a water-tank in the tail to compensate the Centre of Gravity
- And a serially fitted safety-cockpit ( without any place cutbacks)
- With a reinforced main wheel with stronger springs mounted
- Plus the bug wiper-garage serially fitted (It's a MUST for competition opilots)
- And, most of all, has an entirely new electronics system, including the new and revolutionary engine-control unit DEI-NT
As new additional extras there will be available:
- larger water-bags to achieve the maximum weight
- new, improved winglets in the 15-metre wingspan configuration
Due to the number of improvements, development took slightly longer
and at the beginning, the model was called “DG-808C Competition”.
- friedel weber - 
Translation: Justus Schiedek-Jacht 
A first report was published by the Aerokurier about a year ago:
Short notice in Aerokurier 4/2004
New: DG-808C Competition
Bruchsal (Germany):
Soon the DG-808C can be flown as heavy as possible in strong thermal conditions, and as light as possible in weak ones. The wing load of the new “Competition” version has a range from 7.4 lbs/sqft (36.1 kg/m2) to 10.4 lbs/sqft (50.8 kg/m2) in the 18m configuration. The higher loads are accommodated by reinforced outer wing sections and by moving the new ballast bladders (42.1 US gal - 160 liter total) further outwards. The tail tank will increase to 1.6 US gal (6 liter) capacity.
The maiden flight is planned for June 2004. The Competition will come with an extra reinforced cockpit according to the latest findings in cockpit safety research. And her maximum cross weight of 1322 lb (600 kg) will rest on a completely redesigned landing gear. Its new steel springs provide one third more travel.
Further improvements and innovations are:
- The integrated bug wiper garages will now become standard equipment.
- The revised digital engine control (DEI) will contain new functionality, including a stall warning and a flight log.
- The 15m variant will receive new winglets as an option.
So far the article in "Aerokurier".
Production of the existing version of the DG-808C with 1156 lb (515 kg) cross weight will continue with no change. The new Competition is an additional variant, intended not only for competition pilots.
Particular effort went into the development of the new landing gear. A strong landing gear with extensive spring travel is the best insurance for your spine during hard landings. The picture of the landing gear prototype will communicate a feeling for its strength.
We haved developed a new DEI, which provides much more new functionality than mentioned above. This is subject of another article.
Technical Data of the DG-808C "Competition"
3-side view DG-808C / DG-808C Competition
Wilhelm Dirks starting for the Maiden Flight of the new "Competition" in winter
The new DG808C - Ready to Take Off
Our bestseller - the DG-808B - has been developed further and the result is its successor the all new DG-808C which we offer effective immediately.
The most important improvements on the DG-808C versus the DG-808B are:
- DEI-NT - A new generation of power plant control system with graphic display providing a further simplification of the operation of the power plant.
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An integrated optical and acoustic landing gear warning system.
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A Piggott Hook - the optic and acoustic warning when the spoilers (airbrakes) are not locked.
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A stall warning without any aerodynamic disadvantages.
- Stronger safety cockpit based on latest technology.
- New robust, service friendly, spring-loaded landing gear.
- Preparation for the installation of a fuselage integrated Bug wiper, is standard equipment.
- Built in automatic fueling system.
- Cockpit interior with new fabrics
The proven positive characteristics of the DG-808B, e.g. its powerful, excellent take-off performance, the very forgiving flying characteristics and many equipment options have been retained on the DG-808C.
If we consider what was developed out of the original DG-808B in the last few years then this DG-808C is today a completely different plane. In its flying performance it is as good as all the other models, - but unfortunately because of aerodynamic limitations further performance improvements are not possible.
But considering its handling, its additional overall equipment improvements and its new safety provisions, with the DG-808C and DG-808C Competition we have a completely new model of high performance sailplane.
Final Certification for DG-808C is given
And something else is new, never before and possibly never again will this happen:
For the first time in our company history was the Government Certification given prior to its first flight.
This was possible because we had the DG-808C Competition certified at the same time as the "normal" DG-808C.
Therefore, both planes need not at first fly with provisional government certification (VVZ).
The Government Certification for both models of the DG-808C was given on the Jan. 10th, 2006, the time taken by the government for the certification of both planes was unusually short .
If anyone wants to see the complete documentation for certification of the DG-80X types see:
tcds-easa-067-dg-800.pdf
Notes from a Soaring Holiday
This year it is the ninth time that we are in Slovenia but this time with the brand new DG-808C Competition. I don't have to tell an experienced Glider Pilot what thrill it is to fly this sailplane over the Alps. Even in weak thermals, because of the large wing area, is it possible to make use of the smallest bubble of rising air. And, of course, in good thermal condition, the DG808C with its 600 kilo all up weight becomes the all out racing machine it was designed for.
Yes, soaring is beautiful!
I noticed several other things, which make flying the DG-808C so incomparably safe, which I would like to point out.
1. Engine management
Unfortunately, there were many accidents with Retractable Engine Motor gliders of all makes which were all caused for almost the same reasons.
The pilot decided too late to make an out-landing. Then under the stress of such late decision operated the switches of the engine system incorrectly, and while he then waited for the engine to start the originally planned landing field disappeared from his view which often resulted in a life threatening, often deadly turn possibly with a still inoperative engine.
In contrast the engine operating system of the DG808C is as simple as that in your car.
The opening of your car door compares with the "Turning on the main switch". The next step is to "Switch on the Ignition" and pressing the "Start" button.
To stop the engine and retract the engine "Switch Off" the ignition. That is it.
To re-start the engine in the air switch "Ignition On and keep the Start Button pressed" again this is all.
It is even simpler than the operation of Electric Motor gliders as we don't have to worry about battery temperature. It does not matter how hot or cold gasoline is and a two- stroke engine does not need to warm up before it is fully operational.
The operation of the power plant with the assistance of DEI-NT cannot be improved on, and it is far advanced compared to the operating systems of older type of motor gliders including the DG-800A.
As additional Safety feature to warn about other human errors we have incorporated into the DG-808C:
2. The Stall Warning System
I know that some pilots don't want to hear the word "stall warning", but this feature is built into the DG-808C, because one of my best flying friends crashed and died because of a stall. I promised myself at this time to do something to prevent such senseless accidents in future.
Hence we have developed at DG new concepts as to how this stall warning should work and to serve the pilot best and are pleased with the results.
Normally you are unaware of it is there, but when it starts to beep and on the display the word "Stall warning" appears watch out you are either at best flying under-optimal or in the worst case scenario super-dangerous (life threatening). When such sound occurs in a turn you certainly will automatically increase the speed immediately and after landing you will probably not even realize that the stall warning just saved your life.
The stall warning due to its highly sensitive sensors is costly and increases for us the price of the DEI-NT by several hundred Euros but we are not offering it as an option but as "Standard" equipment on our DG-808C.
We are doing this for your personal safety.
3. FLARM:
This "TCAS for Sailplanes" system provides you with so much extra safety and peace of mind when soaring that I must recommend strongly to have it installed in your glider for the avoidance of mid air collisions.
In the past year the Flarm installed in my DG-800B very seldom advised contact to other gliders. But this year it is reported that a minimum of 2/3 of all gliders flying in Austria and Slovenia have a FLARM system installed . And during the crossing of the Alps this year FLARM always warned me of another glider in the vicinity well ahead of making visual contact with it.
Do not believe that accidents always happen to others but not to you !
In any case, also consider a by product of FLARM., the help for finding thermals. Several times this year during blue thermal conditions I saw a glider circling above me in a thermal which otherwise I would not have noticed and happily flown past without making use of it.
So, FLARM can also to find thermals for you, but whatever, it is important to install FLARM in your glider to increase your own safety and the safety of others.
In conclusion, these 3 systems installed in the DG-808C should reduce and possibly eliminate the most often encountered causes for glider accidents namely :
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Incorrect operation of the power plant.
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Stall/Spin in close vicinity to ground
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Mid- air collision
For my part, I am happy that these systems help to protect me from my own flying mistakes and give me peace of mind to fly in the Alps.
Holiday Greetings from Slovenia
- friedel weber -
Translation: Frank Pennauer
Rigging of a DG-808C Competition
a video clip
Some years ago Volker Halbe and me made a movie in order to show our customers some tips & tricks for rigging a DG-808B. Within the recent years our customers got this video clip with a CD, when they took over their new glider.
Now we have a new web server with a lot of space and high performance. So we are able to publish this movie to everybody, for example for owners of older DG-800 gliders or even DG-400.
And when you do not have a glider of your own, perhaps for you it is nice to see, too.
Rigging of a DG-808B - Size: 324 MB
Press Release
400. DG-800 delivered
On November 7th 2008 our chief designer Dipl. Ing. Wilhelm Dirks was able to successfully complete the test flight with the 400. DG-800 of latest version, the DG-808C Competition. Since introduction of the version DG-808C 3 years ago, 64 gliders of this type have been delivered.
Today, the DG-800 is the most build self-launching glider with a retractable motor; overall 344 exemplars have been build with a motor as well as 58 pure gliders of this type. With the wealth of experience from the production of the successful DG-400 DG Flugzeugbau was setting new standards with the DG-800 concerning the rate of climb or the comfortable handling of the engine, which are valid till this day.
During the years the DG-800 experienced continuous enhancements – an important basis is besides the own testing activities the regular feedback of our numerous customers. The latest version, the DG-808C Competition, will among other things allow for the demands of performance-oriented pilots: by increasing the maximum take-off-weight to 600 kg a higher variability under good weather conditions and long flights is ensured. A tail tank compensates the shifting of the centre of mass.
A direct comparison of the gliders of competitors the DG-808C Competition scores with their low empty weight – only ca. 360 kg for a fully equipped glider with a maximum take-off-weight of 600 kg is an absolute peak value.
For 12 years now the company SOLO provides the motors; peripherals of the motor as the propeller comprising tower including the swing out mechanism, the decelerating of the propeller as well as the automatic retracting are for years proven in-house developments of DG. 3 years ago the electronic engine control was entirely revised; today, the serially installed DEI-NT in the DG-808C having a graphical display provides the pilot with all necessary and engine relevant data in an easy and clear way. The one-hand-operation goes without saying. Retracting as well as deploying of the propeller automatically take place, hence the pilot can permanently concentrate on flying and airspace observation.
Summing up the most important improvements of the DG-808C Competition compared to the predecessor DG-808B
- DEI-NT – the engine control of latest generation with graphical display:
- even simpler engine operation
- integrated visual and acoustic landing gear warning
- integrated visual and acoustic warning in case of unlocked air brakes
- independent from wing loading and flap position an integrated stalling warning
- flight logbook
reinforced safety cockpit due to latest knowledge
- Roeger Hook and Piggott-Hook
- new robust maintenance-friendly and smoothly spring-mounted gear
- serial preparation for embedded bug wipers in the fuselage
- integral automatic refueling installation
- high-quality interior of the cockpit with a new design
- maximum take-off-weight of 600 kg at 18 m wing span
- tail tank
Chief designer Dipl. Ing. Wilhelm Dirks after the test flight
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