Editing Motor glider (section)

===Retractable propeller===
[[File:Schleicher ASH 26E sailplane 1.jpg|thumb|left|[[Schleicher ASH 26]]e self-launching motor glider, with the engine mast extended. A Stemme S10 is in the background with the nose cone extended.]]
The retractable propeller is usually mounted on a mast that rotates up and forward out of the [[fuselage]], aft of the [[Cockpit (aviation)|cockpit]] and wing carry-through structure. The fuselage has engine bay doors that open and close automatically, similar to landing gear doors. The engine may be near the top or bottom of the mast, and newer designs have the engine fixed in the fuselage to reduce noise and drag.

Unlike TMGs, most gliders with retractable propellers are also fitted with a tow-hook for aero-towing or ground launch. They have a single-axle retractable main wheel on the fuselage like most unpowered gliders, so they do require assistance during ground operations. The two-stroke engines commonly used are not efficient at reduced power for level cruising flight, and instead must use a "saw-tooth" flight profile where the glider climbs at full power, then glides with the propeller retracted.