Sturdy Scale RC Glider

These models are sturdy scale gliders suitable for everyday use.

The Glaser-Dirks DG-600 is a single-seat, high-performance gel-wing aircraft with flaps. The aircraft, made of composite materials (CFRP), can be considered the successor to the DG-200 and DG-400 and was offered from the outset with wingspans of 15 and 17 meters. Starting in 1989, the lineup was expanded to include a self-launching variant, the DG-600M. In 1991, variants with an 18-meter wingspan featuring larger clip-on wings and winglets were added (DG-600/18, DG-600/18M).

The DG 600 arrives at your home well-packaged and protected in a sturdy box. The build quality of the components is very good. The fuselage, wings, and horizontal stabilizer are packed in simple protective bags. Unfortunately, the parts list is missing, especially for the small parts included in the package.

The carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) work is flawless. The milled wooden parts fit well. Unfortunately, the mounting positions are not indicated. Likewise, the position of the ballast tube is left up to the builder. A parts list is missing. The cutouts for the aileron and elevator servos are too small for KST servos and must be reworked. The canopy frame also needs to be reworked with a heat gun. The canopy is delivered uncut

, which requires very time-consuming and delicate work that the manufacturer could certainly perform more easily and precisely. Installing the elevator servo and linkage proves to be “surgical” work due to the factory-applied adhesive on the rudder blade for the rudder. The construction of the canopy latch is also left up to the builder. For my model, I chose a magnetic latch.

They are made of CFRP and feature an excellent surface finish and paint job. The flaps and ailerons are neatly attached and conform to the airfoil profile. A conventional linkage system was chosen for the test model. As with the original, two different versions of wingtips/winglets can be used (available as optional extras). A minor adjustment to the parts is required. Installing the KST mini servos poses no major problems; however, the KST servo-

Use the frame. The included wiring harness is pre-soldered. The connection to the fuselage is made using MPX connectors.

Thanks to the high degree of prefabrication, construction of the DG 600 is progressing quite rapidly, and work is now moving on to preparing the aircraft for flight. The control surface setup and center of gravity specifications

• Wingspan: 3,330 mm (winglets optional)
• Wingspan: 3,380 mm (optional wingtips)
• Wing area: 48 dm²
• Flight weight: starting at 2,200 g (test model: 2,840 g)
• Scale: 1:5
• Airfoil: HQ 2.5/1
• More info and videos at:

https://composite-rc-gliders.com/p/dg-600-neo-race-3-3-m

(61 mm) can be found on the manufacturer's website. The CFRP wing connector fits very well and did not require any modifications. I equipped my DG 600 with a tow coupling, since the model is intended for use both for glider towing and for slope flying.

A model’s maiden flight is, of course, always very exciting. For the maiden flight, I chose a tow-in launch. This allows you to reach a high altitude and gives you the opportunity and time to adjust the model’s trim and test its center of gravity during a few “familiarization laps.” After a brief briefing from the tow pilot, my DG 600 takes off. The model flies briskly but “docilely” and willingly follows the tow plane. At about 350 meters (we’re allowed to do that at this airfield), I cut the tow line and fly straight ahead at first. The DG’s flight characteristics, with its slender wings, impress more than just the pilot. Only a little elevator trim is needed; otherwise, the DG flies dead straight and at a comfortable pace. The—

The rudder response is excellent, and the model responds willingly and promptly to all commands. Now I’m testing the “Butterfly” setting at a safe altitude. With the aileron caps fully extended and two or three millimeters of elevator added, the DG enters a descent of approximately

30°. The rate of descent can be controlled well with the elevator, and so my first landing with the DG was quite impressive. This successful maiden flight confirmed the settings specified by the manufacturer. Several more towed flights followed, during which

the DG 600 was able to demonstrate both its aerobatic capabilities and its excellent thermal performance. The speed range is very wide. All test flights were conducted with the straight winglets.

The DG 600 proved its exceptional suitability for slope flying. From thermal flying to fast “slope soaring,” this model can do it all. After a slightly rough landing, a crack appeared in the canopy. One phone call to Composite RC Gliders was all it took: a replacement canopy arrived within a few days.

My conclusion:

The kit is well-made and offers excellent value for the price. The components are of high quality. The flight characteristics are very good.

For detailed information, visit:

https://composite-rc-gliders.com/p/dg-600-neo-race-3-3-m

Photos: Peter Kühweidner and Manfred Dittmayer