SCHEMPP-HIRTH FLUGZEUGBAU GmbH., KIRCHHEIM/TECK
Arcus M
FLIGHT MANUAL
1.4 Descriptive data
The "Arcus M" is a two-seat, high-performance powered sailplane, constructed from
fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), featuring camber-changing flaps and a T-tail (with
fixed horizontal stabilizer and elevator).
Wing
The four piece wing including winglets has 4 distinct trapezoidal sections.
On the innermost section of each wing, the leading edge sweeps slightly forward,
then from the second section on, the wing tapers more and more aft. The flaps
span evenly along the entire length of the wing and simultaneously serve as
ailerons. The ‘Schempp-Hirth’ style airbrakes have 3 panels and rise from the
upper wing surface.
The water tanks are integrated in the wing and can hold approx. 185 Litres
(48.9 US Gal., 40.7 IMP Gal.).
The wing skin is a CFRP foam sandwich, the wing spar caps are made from carbon
fibre rovings and the spar shear web is a GFRP foam sandwich.
Fuselage
The cockpit is comfortable and features two tandem seats. The one-piece canopy
hinges sideways and opens to the right. For high energy absorption the cockpit
region is constructed as an aramid/carbon fibre laminate, which is reinforced by a
steel tube transverse frame and a double skin on the sides with integrated canopy
coaming frame and seat pan mounting flanges. The aft fuselage section is a pure
carbon fibre (non-sandwich) shell of high strength, stiffened by CFRP-sandwich
bulkheads and webs. The main wheel is retractable with shock absorber struts and
features a hydraulic disc brake. The nose wheel (if installed) and tail wheel (or skid)
are fixed.
Horizontal tailplane
The horizontal tailplane consists of a fixed stabilizer with elevator.
The stabilizer is a GFRP/foam-sandwich construction with CFRP-reinforcements,
the elevator halves are a pure CFRP/GFRP shell.
The spring trim is gradually adjustable by a lever resting against a threaded rod.
Vertical tail
The fin and rudder are constructed as a GFRP/foam-sandwich.
Optionally a water ballast trim tank with a capacity of 11 Litres (2.9 US Gal.,
2.4 IMP Gal.) is provided in the fin.
Controls
All controls are automatically hooked up when the Arcus M is rigged.
October 2011
Revision --
1.4.1