We offer our Condor IV from 1953, registration D-5000, for sale.

The Condor IV is the first two-seat glider designed by Heini Dittmar after the pre-war models Condor I III. Our aircraft comes from the /2 production series, which was built by F. B. Schmetz in Herzogenrath. This series consisted of five aircraft, all equipped with DFS airbrakes extending on both sides. A further seven aircraft were built in the /3 series by A. Schleicher, and a small number were produced under licence in Argentina. Today, it is estimated that only three or four Condor gliders worldwide are still airworthy.

Our D-5000 carries the serial number 005 and is therefore the last Condor built by Schmetz. Unlike the other aircraft, it was originally equipped with flaps, which made it a unique example. In the spring of 1953, the aircraft was tested for its flight characteristics, among others by the well-known record pilot Hanna Reitsch. She completed nine launches with a total flight time of approximately eight hours. The flaps were later removed during the aircraft s service life.

The following information about the aircraft s history is known:

Originally, D-5000 was owned by the Cologne gliding club Condor e.V. During this period, logbook no. 1 was kept, but it was later lost. It ended with around 300 flight hours. From 1958 onwards, the aircraft was owned by the Luftfahrerschule NRW, where logbook no. 2 was started.

The current logbook no. 3 begins in 1979 at an operating time of 682 hours. Until 1981, the Condor was flown regularly, including flights in Kamenz and at M nchsheide. After this time, the aircraft unfortunately lost its airworthiness until 1988. In 1988, we purchased the aircraft, restored it and carried out a comprehensive inspection. In 1995 and 1996, the wings were newly covered and the fuselage was overhauled. The aircraft was flown regularly, with some interruptions. In recent years, flight activity decreased, mainly due to limited towing infrastructure. Over the past 37 years in our ownership, D-5000 accumulated approximately 330 flight hours in about 300 launches.

The aircraft has therefore spent more than half of its lifetime in club ownership. For this reason, it is naturally a difficult decision for us to part with it. Maintenance has always been carried out regularly with great care and professionalism, and the ARC has been renewed almost every year. It will be renewed again this coming spring.

Honest remarks: Ground handling is demanding and requires experience. The aircraft is heavy, and rigging and derigging require several people who know exactly what they are doing. In return, the flying experience is particularly rewarding.

We have now decided to offer our Condor for sale. This is not a forced sale; however, it has become increasingly difficult for us to launch the aircraft by aero tow. It is far too special to remain unused. With this offer, we would like to explore the market. We have deliberately not stated a price and look forward to receiving serious offers.

General Data:

Manufacturer
F. B. Schmetz in Herzogenrath

Type
Condor IV/2

Registration
D-5000

Year of Construction
1953

Serial Number
005

Registrated
30.11.1988

ARC
Until 11/2025, will be renewed in Spring

Trailer
Open, Steel Frame

Logbook
No. 3, since 1979

Total Time Airframe
1044:54 h

Total Starts and Landings
678

Construction method
Wood

Exterior
Ivory, Red, Painting in good condition

Seats
1 - originally 2

Empty Mass
374 kg

Wingspan
18 m

Minimum air speed
ca. 50 55 km/h

Vne
130 km/h

Maximum Manoeuvre speed
100 130 km/h

Glide ratio
ca. 30