If you register the Diana 2 as an ultralight, you can self launch. There's Diana 2's delivered and flying in France in this configuration.
If you register it as EASA CS-22, you cannot (legally). I'm told it's easier for them to get the initial TC through as a sustainer.

For self-launch under CS-22 you need 23cm of propeller clearance with the main wheel fully deflated. I believe both the Mini-LAK and the Silent 2 operate outside of CS-22 as microlights or otherwise if you want to use them for self launching.

It sounds like LAK is trying to get the 17C through on CS-22 for self launch with a modified landing gear to get that required clearance. I hope they'll be successful and others will follow.

On Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 6:41:36 PM UTC+1, Magnus wrote:
On Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 7:31:13 PM UTC+2, wrote:
On Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 6:04:43 PM UTC+1, wrote:
Did you consider a Diana 2-FES? Mine delivers this month.
I chose it because it's a proven performing 15m glider, and it has the proven electric FES system. I don't want to be a test pilot for a new system with bugs.

I didn't place my order until I confirmed the performance figures myself and flew it to evaluate the handling, I would not trust any predicted/calculated numbers.

Are the Diana 2 FES and Lak 17B FES officially "self starters" - i.e. self-launchers as are the GP 15 and the Mini-LAK? Please correct me if I am wrong but I wasn't aware that they are other than self-sustainers, although I believe self-launching is unofficially possible in the right wind/runway/weight conditions.

LAK 17B FES is a sustainer but the new 17C FES is claimed as a self-starter (as miniLAK) with higher landing gear for propeller clearance, stronger FES, different aerodynamicall configuration of wings and fuselage according to LAK. For the Diana 2 FES I don't know.