Duo Discus FES

Much more than just a way home.

The Duo Discus FES takes the boundaries of what is possible further than ever before. With its proven flight characteristics – agile, responsive and intuitive – the Duo Discus has been the first choice for decades for pilots looking to broaden their horizons together. Its outstanding performance, combined with exceptionally easy handling, invites you to explore the limits of what is possible in a wide range of conditions.

Even a turbo sustainer significantly reduces the risk of an outlanding. The innovative Front Electric Sustainer (FES) system goes one step further. With FES, the fun doesn't stop when the motor comes into play – quite the opposite. You might even think the adventure is only just beginning. Today, many pilots use FES not just to get home, but above all to keep flying!

Weather conditions that would otherwise have you rolling out only the motorplanes are the ideal playground for the Duo Discus FES – whether for training or cross-country adventures. During winch launches, student pilots have more time to practise their flying skills before landing becomes necessary, all without compromising the glider's excellent soaring performance. Experienced pilots, too, will be surprised by the adventures still within reach when the atmosphere has less to offer. Low-level ridge flying in autumn becomes a pleasure, and even an early launch on a good day no longer needs to be a gamble.

Enjoy nature in peace and quiet

Part of the fascination of gliding lies in flying almost silently, in harmony with nature. With FES, this special feeling remains even when flying under power.

Anyone who has flown with a two-stroke engine knows how noisy the cockpit can be. Although these engines are highly developed, durable and reliable, they make the cockpit loud, while increasingly restrictive airfield regulations can make operating them without limitations more difficult.

FES opens the door to a new flying experience. With only a quiet whir, you can search for the next thermal even at low altitude without disturbing your airfield neighbours. And it's not just the surroundings that benefit from the pleasant quiet. The difference is equally noticeable in the cockpit: even with the motor running, conversations are possible without headsets, as is communication with air traffic control.

On instantly. Off instantly.

Thanks to the unique positioning of the folding propeller in the nose of the fuselage and the immediate availability of the electric drive, using the motor – from switching on to switching off – becomes a completely natural part of the soaring experience.

The exceptionally simple controls help you stay aware of your surroundings, both for safety and when searching for the next thermal or energy line. Power can be adjusted intuitively and almost continuously.

Soaring remains at the heart of the experience. Depending on the conditions, you simply choose the glide ratio you need while retaining complete flexibility at all times. The drive can be switched off just as quickly as power can be applied. This is a particular advantage at low altitude.

On instantly. Off instantly.

Thanks to the unique positioning of the folding propeller in the nose of the fuselage and the immediate availability of the electric drive, using the motor – from switching on to switching off – becomes a completely natural part of the soaring experience.

The exceptionally simple controls help you stay aware of your surroundings, enhancing safety while making it easier to spot the next thermal or energy line. Power can be adjusted intuitively and almost continuously.

Soaring remains at the heart of the experience. You simply adapt the glide ratio to suit the prevailing conditions, while retaining complete flexibility at all times. The drive can be switched off just as quickly as power can be applied. This is a particular advantage at low altitude. Should the motor ever be unavailable for any reason, the Duo Discus retains its full glide performance and proven soaring characteristics – without the additional drag of an extended motor or propeller.

Dual controls

The second motor control unit (FCU), fitted as standard, allows the drive system to be operated fully from either the front or rear seat. No motor-control priority switch is required, nor is a pneumatic pitot-pressure selector: the TE probe is positioned outside the propeller slipstream, while total pressure is measured at the nose of the fuselage.

The rear seat can be designated as the pilot-in-command's seat. This allows guests to enjoy the flight from the front row, while also making flight training straightforward and flexible.

Enjoy greater freedom.

Freedom in the air also means comfort in the cockpit. Thanks to continuous ergonomic improvements over the years, the spacious cockpit of the Duo Discus XL generation offers a comfortable environment for pilots of all sizes.

Clear, intuitive ergonomics without unnecessary frills meet proven flight characteristics, creating a flying experience that combines comfort and performance.

The all-rounder: From ab initio training to high-performance cross-country flying

Beginners in particular benefit from the forgiving landing characteristics provided by the highly effective airbrakes and landing flaps, as well as the straightforward operation of the electric drive. This makes the Duo Discus FES a versatile companion for club flying – from ab initio training and routine practice to ambitious cross-country adventures.

And flying as a pair doesn't just accelerate learning – discovering new possibilities together is simply more fun!