The Schempp-Hirth ARCUS is a two-seater Super-Allrounder in the 20m class. Whether for training, distance, competition, or record flights, the ARCUS has it all and has quickly become the first choice for many serious glider pilots worldwide. The ARCUS has a unique wing geometry that makes it immediately recognizable. In 2019, a few additional improvements in the winglet, fuselage, and stab geometry have made it one of the most modern and extravagant high-performance gliders of all time.
With the acrobatic glider 'Kobuz ', the cooperation between CARF-Models and Ceflix has already proven what it's capable of. CARF and Ceflix also work together in other areas, so it was no question that more statements in the model glider world would become reality. The CARF-Models/ceflix ARCUS is one such project. CEFLIX's extensive experience in glider technology and aerodynamic design, combined with CARF-Models' long-standing production and worldwide marketing capabilities, are the unique ingredients that will make ARCUS an enduring success. (Various photos courtesy of CEFLIX...!)
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Of course, we wanted to realize the same groundbreaking flight performance as the full-size. There was no question that, especially with the complex wing geometry, we had to copy it exactly. The extensive use of CAD not only enabled our design team to create the replica as close to the original as possible, but also to make subtle changes to the airfoil, winglets, and fillets using the most modern airflow simulation tools available. As a first for a CARF-Models high-performance glider, we employed the so-called "hard shell" construction method, which does not require any compromising foam core in the wings. The wing skin of the CARF-Models / ceflix ARCUS is made entirely from black gold: a combination of unidirectional and biaxial carbon fiber. It boasts a complex 8-trapezoid geometry, pointing forward at the root and then, with each trapezoid, sweeping further back and adding more dihedral. It finishes with a beautiful winglet for the lowest drag in flight. |
The wing joiner(s) are made from ultra-high tensile-strength UD carbon in heated aluminum molds and are custom-fitted to every wing.
Almost the entire fuselage is made from carbon, too; just the front part under the scale cockpit uses glass for unrestricted reception of our modern RC systems.
The horizontal stab in a 'T' configuration has a split elevator, controlled by 2 servos mounted in the rudder post. The canopy glass installs easily on the frame, with dashboard covers molded in. It's expertly painted and mounted to the fuselage. A retractable landing gear is also installed and fully functional; gear doors are mounted. Formers for installing an FES propulsion in the nose, or a retractable EDF unit over the wing, are included as well, but not glued in yet. If an FES is used, we can replace the landing gear cost-neutrally with special FES gear with approx. 25 mm more height, allowing the use of folding propellers up to 20" diameter. The formers and doors are suited for this replacement, with no further modification needed.
The ARCUS is offered as a plain white airplane, with black bottom wings and stab, and a variable-color warning scheme on the nose, wing tips, and rudder. Of course, you can order a single color for the entire airplane or a 100% scale replica of a particular full-size airplane.
By utilizing the carbon composite construction on the flying surfaces, we were able to use very thin airfoils. These have become standard in high-performance gliders because their drag is unbelievably low. With other construction methods, these airfoils can't be used because the wings wouldn't be strong or stiff enough. Our Arcus does so that we can enjoy its fantastic slow, thermal, and speed flight envelope. A scale glider manufactured with less effort can't compete with that. Impressive aerobatic capabilities for the Alpine Professionals, not usually seen in a glider that size, are complemented by docile behavior for the less experienced pilot, thanks to its lightweight components. The Arcus lands like a dream, too.
The ARCUS can be towed with a suitable tow plane such as our SIAI Marchetti. A modern FES in the nose or a retractable EDF above the wings will get your ARCUS in the air with just as much grace and style. We offer both options as accessories. And finally, at the slope or in the mountains,
the ARCUS can be ground-launched with the help of a rubber flinge. The truly fearless within us can even attempt a hand launch into a good wind, which isn't impossible with the moderate 15 kg take-off weight.
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- ultra-strong hard-shell carbon composite wing, fully de-seamed - 8 elastic flaps with sealing lips molded in and control horns glued - 45x20 mm high-tensile carbon wing joiner - 25x8 mm high-tensile carbon winglet joiners - carbon fuselage with glass front area, fully de-seamed - retracts installed with wheel brake and functional gear doors - strong solid rubber tailwheel included - canopy / canopy frame / dash, completely built and painted - composite horizontal stab with elastic flap, lips and horns installed - composite rudder pin-hinged, control horns installed - all 2K painted, UV resistant, de-seamed and polished - all servo mounts and other high-quality hardware included - optional black bottom wing/stab - optional colorful warning schemes on winglet, nose and rudder - optional FES retract (for high stand, suitable up to 20" nose prop) |
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Click the Accessory tab at the top of the page to see a nice set of scale instrument panels, beautiful glider pilots from the Best of the Best, 'Tailored Pilots', long FES retract, FES power sets, Ceflix retractable EDF sets, retractable turbine sets, tow release and equipment, high-quality REVOC protection bag set, MacGregor Servo Set with wiring harness (Powerbox Cable, MPX connectors).
FES versions of our ARCUS. Technical Details and a few flights...
What stands out immediately with the Arcus is its exceptional prefabrication and flawless surface quality. The modern design, paired with a specially developed thin airfoil, delivers outstanding gliding and high-speed performance thanks to reduced drag. As an aerobatic pilot, I was surprised by how precise and agile the roll behavior is—especially for a scale glider of this size. The CEFLIX500kit+ EDF setup suits it perfectly, enabling jet-like aerobatics. The proven FES system is another great option. I’m already looking forward to more sunset cruises and alpine slope flights—the Arcus feels right at home in both.
Alexander Raff, Germany (Team Pilot)
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226" (5750 mm) |
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100" (2550 mm) |
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26 - 32 Lbs (12 - 15 kg) dry |
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(80-100 N turbine, 12S FES or EDF) |
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5 high torque 20mm servos, 2 high torque 15mm servos, 4 high torque 11mm wing servos, 2 high torque 8mm wing servos |
Even though we do not yet publish a manual here, there is of course a setting sheet with all the values needed to successfully build and fly our ARCUS. Down the road we will upgrade this setting sheet gradually into a full manual.
