🧭 Overview
The meeting, organized by the Auxiliary Powered Sailplane Association (ASA), featured updates from three self-launch sailplane manufacturers. Stemme, DG Flugzeugbau & Pipistrel.
Date: February 19, 2026
Time: 17:45–19:00 (America/Denver)
Host: Dan Malone (ASA Vice President)
Presenters:
- Paul Remde (DG Flugzeugbau)
- Kagen Nelson (Pipistrel )
- Zach Hughey (Stemme)
Attendees: ~60 participants
You can find the presentation here 
DG Flugzeugbau (presented by Paul Remde):
- Lead times improved from 5 years to 2.5 years
- Developing the DG1001 RES (rear electric self-launcher) using Solo technology, similar to JS3/Ventus 3
- Expected first flight: September 2026, deliveries starting late 2027
- Price: approximately €302,000
- Features: 20-meter wingspan, 4 m/s climb rate, 6,500 ft climb capability, 150 km range with 2 batteries
- Also offering Restrofit program to convert older DG400/800 models with Rotax 505 engines to electric propulsion (~$80,000)
Pipistrel (presented by Kagen Nelson):
- Taurus Electro: Electric self-launcher with 41:1 glide ratio, side-by-side seating, 9,000 ft climb performance
- Price: €236,000 (aircraft), €22,000-35,000 (trailer with optional solar charging)
- Lead time: 8-12 months (currently 2 in stock)
- Sinis Flex: Touring motor glider with Rotax 912UL, interchangeable wingtips (24:1 to 27:1 glide ratio)
- Price: €232,000
- Lead time: 3 weeks (standard), 6-8 months (custom)
Stemme (presented by Zach Hughey):
- S12G: Current flagship with 21.7m standard wing (50:1) or 25m long wing (53:1)
- Lead time: 5-9 months
- New Duke propeller blades, improved avionics (dual Garmin G3X, LX9000)
- Researching replacement for Rotax 914 engine
- Strong U.S. support infrastructure with factory-direct operations