Grob Aircraft G 520

Single Piston

The Grob G 520 is a German-built single-engine motorglider that bridges the gap between pure sailplanes and light touring aircraft. Developed by Grob Aircraft in the 1990s as a successor to earlier motorglider designs, the G 520 features a high-aspect-ratio wing optimized for soaring efficiency combined with an 80-horsepower Rotax 912 engine that retracts into the fuselage when not needed. This dual capability allows pilots to climb under power, shut down the engine at altitude, and then exploit thermals like a conventional glider, or cruise cross-country with the engine running at modest fuel burn. With a maximum takeoff weight of just 1,543 pounds and a never-exceed speed of 135 knots, the G 520 occupies the light end of the motorglider spectrum. Its stall speeds are gentle (43 knots with flaps deployed, 49 knots clean), making it forgiving for pilots transitioning from pure gliders. The type is popular in Europe for both training and recreational cross-country soaring, particularly in Germany where the ultralight / LSA category permits operation with reduced licensing requirements. The retractable engine and sleek fuselage give it respectable glide performance when the powerplant is stowed, though it doesn't match the efficiency of purpose-built racing sailplanes. SkyMeter has tracked 20 flights across 8 airframes and 1 operators, with unique routes observed.