Glider • Schempp-Hirth • Ventus A, Ventus B, Ventus 2A, Ventus 2B, Ventus 3
| Manufacturer | Schempp-Hirth |
| Model | Ventus |
| Category | Glider |
| Variants | Ventus A, Ventus B, Ventus 2A, Ventus 2B, Ventus 3 |
| Production Years | 1980 – 2025 |
| Seating | 1 seats |
| Typical TTAF | 4,200 hours |
| Markets | Germany, United States, France, Australia, Canada |
| Price Range | $65K – $280K |
The Schempp-Hirth Ventus is a high-performance single-seat sailplane renowned for its exceptional glide ratio and thermal soaring capabilities. First introduced in 1980, the Ventus has become one of the most successful competition gliders ever built, with over 1,000 aircraft produced. The design emphasizes efficiency and performance, featuring a slender fuselage, laminar-flow wings, and retractable landing gear to minimize drag. The aircraft is constructed primarily of fiberglass and carbon fiber composites, providing strength with minimal weight. The Ventus is extensively used by competitive soaring pilots worldwide, particularly in regional and national championships, and remains popular for cross-country and distance flying. Its variants include the Ventus 2, which introduced improvements in aerodynamics and construction, and the Ventus 3, featuring refined wing geometry and contemporary avionics integration. The aircraft's excellent performance characteristics, combined with relatively straightforward maintenance and proven reliability, have secured its position as a benchmark standard in single-seat competition soaring. Flying clubs and individual enthusiasts continue to operate dozens of Ventus aircraft globally.
Maximum Speed: 280 km/h (151 knots)
Best Glide Ratio: 48:1
Service Ceiling: 5,000 m (16,400 feet)
Empty Weight: 280 kg (617 lbs)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 525 kg (1,157 lbs)
Wing Span: 15 m (49.2 feet)
Wing Area: 10.5 m² (113 sq ft)
Never Exceed Speed: 280 km/h (151 knots)
Best Sink Rate: 0.55 m/s at 80 km/h