Turbo Sustainer Engine

An Idea becomes Reality.

Schempp-Hirth sailplanes with Turbo Sustainer Engine (by Prof. Oehler) are the technically brilliant realization of a concept that has already been recognized by Wolf Hirth as an alternative to self-launching gliders.

Simple to use and preventing mis-operation, fuss-free design, minimizal additional weight and low maintenance - Schempp-Hirth's Turbo sustainer system has been well established in the market for more than 20 years and has found many friends. 

Expand Your Options.

Primarily designed to span areas of weak thermals and avoid landing out, the system vastly expands the possible use of your sailplane. Some examples include the operation after a winch launch, aero tow or even car tow or when entering a wave. This system has also provided the base for many exciting experiences in gliding safaris.

More Possibilities.

For two-seaters, the optional second engine control unit supports operating the engine from the back seat as well as from the front seat. With this option installed, the back seat can be declared as the seat of the responsible pilot, allowing you to fly guests seated in the front seat. 

If needed, all sailplanes equipped with a turbo sustainer engine can be transformed into a simple glider in short time.

Easy to Engage.

The SOLO two-cylinder two-stroke engine gets extracted by an electrical spindle drive supported by a gas spring. The unique, noise-optimized multi-blade foldable propeller gets started using the windmill effect: You just pull and then let go of the decompression handle as instructed in the display of the engine control unit.

The engine always runs at full power, eliminating the need for a starter, choke or throttle. A 12 V power source is only required for the spindle drive, the fuel pump and the ILEC multi-function control unit.

When done, just switch it off.

Once you have reached the desired altitude, the engine gets stopped and retracted by slowing down the glider and switching the engine off by a simple click. The new Turbo control unit TB06 (two-seaters) or TB05 (single seaters) performs all action without any further user action. The engine gets retracted, ignoring the propeller position, and the propeller blades just fold-in automatically.