Competition Dominance
The EB-29DE has established itself as a formidable competitor in international soaring championships, achieving victories in both European and American contests. This two-seat variant extends the proven EB-29 single-seat design by incorporating a fuselage lengthened by 25 centimeters forward to accommodate the second occupant. The aircraft's variable wingspan configuration allows pilots to optimize performance for specific weather conditions and competition requirements, with the 25.3-meter span delivering maximum maneuverability and the 28.3-meter configuration providing enhanced thermal soaring capabilities.
The Manufacturer
Binder Flugmotoren- & Flugzeugbau operates as a specialized German manufacturer focusing exclusively on high-end motorized sailplanes. The company has built its reputation on producing performance-oriented gliders that combine traditional soaring excellence with modern self-launching capabilities. Unlike mass-production aircraft manufacturers, Binder concentrates on the premium segment of the sailplane market, where competition pilots demand the highest levels of aerodynamic efficiency and build quality.
Electric Propulsion Innovation
The EB-29DE incorporates an Emrax electric motor producing 40 kW (53 horsepower) of continuous power, representing a significant departure from the piston-powered Solo 2625 02 engine used in single-seat variants. This electric propulsion system delivers a climb rate of 2.6 meters per second while eliminating the noise, vibration, and emissions associated with internal combustion engines. The motor drives the aircraft to a powered cruise speed of 160 km/h, providing reliable self-launch capability and the ability to reach favorable soaring altitudes without ground-based launching equipment.
Advanced Aerodynamics
The aircraft's wing design derives from the proven EB28 platform but incorporates aerodynamically optimized winglets that enhance both high-speed performance and slow-flight characteristics. Wing areas measure 15.4 square meters for the 25.3-meter span configuration and 16.5 square meters for the 28.3-meter variant. This variable geometry approach allows individual pilots to adapt their aircraft's performance envelope to specific competition requirements, with maximum glide ratios ranging from 63:1 to 66:1 depending on wingspan selection.
Pilot Experience
The EB-29DE cockpit accommodates two occupants in tandem seating, making it suitable for instruction, check flights, and shared competition experiences. The aircraft's low empty weight contributes to impressive thermal climbing performance, while the retractable propulsion system ensures minimal drag during pure gliding flight. Standard fuel capacity of 23 liters can be supplemented with optional 11-liter wing tanks, extending the powered flight envelope for cross-country positioning or adverse weather penetration.
Technical Specifications
With a maximum speed of 280 km/h, the EB-29DE operates in the high-performance category of modern sailplanes. The aircraft's relatively light construction, combined with its efficient wing design, enables competitive performance in both speed flying and traditional thermal soaring disciplines. The electric motor installation represents a growing trend in sailplane design, where environmental considerations and operational simplicity increasingly influence design decisions.
Current Operations
The EB-29DE continues active service in the international competition soaring community, where its combination of two-seat capability and high performance fills a unique market niche. Recent contest victories demonstrate the aircraft's competitive viability against other modern high-performance sailplanes. The type serves pilots who require the flexibility of dual instruction capability without compromising the aerodynamic efficiency essential for serious competition flying.