SC Discovery

Design and development

The Discovery was designed as an intermediate glider, plus a tandem version for flight training, referred to as the Discovery Bi, indicating "bi-place" or two seater.

The models are each named for their wing area in square metres.

Reviewer Noel Bertrand noted the Discovery series in a 2003 review for its low price, being one of the few gliders available in that time period under €1,000.

Variants

Discovery 23

Extra small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its wing has an area of 23 m² (250 sq ft), 53 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 55 to 70 kg (121 to 154 lb).

Discovery 25

Small-sized model for lighter pilots. Its wing has an area of 25 m² (270 sq ft), 53 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 65 to 85 kg (143 to 187 lb).

Discovery 28

Mid-sized model for medium-weight pilots. Its wing has an area of 28 m² (300 sq ft), 53 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 70 to 100 kg (154 to 220 lb).

Discovery 31

Large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its wing has an area of 31 m² (330 sq ft), 53 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 95 to 120 kg (209 to 265 lb).

Discovery 34

Extra large-sized model for heavier pilots. Its wing has an area of 34 m² (370 sq ft), 53 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 115 to 145 kg (254 to 320 lb).

Discovery 39 Bi

Small-sized two-place model for lighter crews. Its wing has an area of 39 m² (420 sq ft), 47 cells and the aspect ratio is 4.9:1. The pilot weight range is 140 to 180 kg (309 to 397 lb).

Discovery 42 Bi

Large-sized two-place model for heavier crews. Its wing has an area of 42 m² (450 sq ft), 50 cells and the aspect ratio is 5.1:1. The pilot weight range is 160 to 220 kg (353 to 485 lb).

Specifications (Discovery 25)

Data from Bertrand

General characteristics

Crew: one

Wing area: 25 m² (270 sq ft)

Aspect ratio: 5.1:1

Performance

Maximum speed: 47 km/h (29 mph; 25 kn)

Rate of sink: 1.1 m/s (220 ft/min)