Soaring is quite unlike any other kind of flying. Plunk yourself down in an open field on a warm, sunny day, as I did last fall, and watch a hawk, wings outstretched, wingtips moving only slightly to adjust the flight path as they trace seemingly endless patterns across the sky in search of a meal. Natural soaring is silent, so quiet, in fact, that a hawk circles unnoticed unless eyes happen to turn skyward.
We Fly: Stemme S12
Key Takeaways:
- The Stemme S12 is a high-performance motorglider that uniquely combines powered flight and pure soaring, featuring a retractable engine for takeoff and backup that seamlessly disappears for silent, engineless flight.
- With an 82-foot wingspan, the S12 boasts an impressive 53-to-1 glide ratio, allowing pilots to sustain flight by skillfully locating and utilizing thermals (rising air).
- The aircraft offers a silent, skill-based, and emotionally engaging soaring experience, enhanced by features like side-by-side seating, excellent visibility, and specialized avionics for thermal detection, all while reducing "landing out" anxiety due to its onboard engine.
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