For anyone interested in the Taifun 17E motorglider, there is a new
discussion group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Taifun17E/

The Valentin Taifun 17E is a motorglider (or self-launching sailplane).
It has 2 seats, side by side, a 17m (56 ft) wingspan, retractable gear,
flaps and spoilers. It has a nose-mounted Limbach motor of either 80hp
or 90hp, driving a feathering prop. Factory specifications show a best
glide of 29:1 and a thermaling speed of 49-52 kts. Performance is said
to be comparable to the Ximango and in the same general class as the
Diamond Katana/Xtreme, Grob 109 and Pipistrel Sinus.

Anyone who owns, flies, or has a general interest in the Taifun should
come on over and visit!