SZD-8 Jaskółka: Difference between revisions
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==Development== |
==Development== |
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With prototypes rolled out in September and December 1951, the SZD-8 Jaskółka (''Swallow'') was a high-performance glider for its day, introducing several innovations to glider design such as a sliding moulded [[plexiglass]] canopy, recessed handle in the rear fuselage for ground handling and a semi-retractable mainwheel. The all-wood wings were covered with plywood and fabric incorporating [[Fowler flaps]] on the trailing edges, which could be lowered to 12° or 25°, and Schemp-Hirth style [[Air brake (aircraft)|airbrakes]] aft of the mainspars. Main designer was [[Tadeusz Kostia]].<ref name=krzyzan/> The first prototype was flown on 21 September 1951 ([[ |
With prototypes rolled out in September and December 1951, the SZD-8 Jaskółka (''Swallow'') was a high-performance glider for its day, introducing several innovations to glider design such as a sliding moulded [[plexiglass]] canopy, recessed handle in the rear fuselage for ground handling and a semi-retractable mainwheel. The all-wood wings were covered with plywood and fabric incorporating [[Fowler flaps]] on the trailing edges, which could be lowered to 12° or 25°, and Schemp-Hirth style [[Air brake (aircraft)|airbrakes]] aft of the mainspars. Main designer was [[Tadeusz Kostia]].<ref name=krzyzan/> The first prototype was flown on 21 September 1951 ([[test pilot]] Adam Zientek), but it revealed faults. After reconstruction, with longer fuselage and enlarged rudder (designated SZD-8-2) it appeared successful and was ordered to production.<ref name=bab>{{pl icon}}Babiejczuk, Janusz and Grzegorzewski, Jerzy. ''Polski przemysł lotniczy 1945-1973'' (Polish aerospace industry 1945-197). Warsaw: Wydawnictwo MON, 1974, pp. 119-120</ref> From 1953 to 1957 it was the most popular competition glider in Poland.<ref name=krzyzan>{{pl icon}} Krzyżan, Marian,'' Samoloty w muzeach polskich'' (Aircraft in the Polish museums), Warsaw: Wydawnictwa Komunikacji i Łączności, 1983, ISBN 978-83-206-0432-0, pp. 136-137</ref> Many of the 135 production aircraft were exported, garnering at least fifteen world records from May 1954 to May 1960. Licensed production was also carried out in the [[East Germany|DDR]] (East Germany) and the [[People's Republic of China|PRC]] (People's Republic of China). Several variants were produced which introduced various improvements and modifications. |
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[[File:Polish gliders.jpg|thumb|200px|SZD-8 at bottom left]] |
[[File:Polish gliders.jpg|thumb|200px|SZD-8 at bottom left]] |
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Revision as of 08:29, 16 October 2011
| SZD-8 Jaskółka | |
|---|---|
| |
| SZD-8bis Jaskółka SP-1335 in the Polish Aviation Museum | |
| Role | Glider aircraft |
| National origin | Poland |
| Manufacturer | SZD |
| Designer | Tadeusz Kostia |
| First flight | 21 September Template:Avyear |
| Number built | 135 |
| Variants | SZD-14x Jaskółka M SZD-17x Jaskółka L |
The SZD-8 Jaskółka was a single-seat glider aircraft that was designed and built in Poland at Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny (Glider Experimental Works) in Bielsko-Biała from 1951.
Development
With prototypes rolled out in September and December 1951, the SZD-8 Jaskółka (Swallow) was a high-performance glider for its day, introducing several innovations to glider design such as a sliding moulded plexiglass canopy, recessed handle in the rear fuselage for ground handling and a semi-retractable mainwheel. The all-wood wings were covered with plywood and fabric incorporating Fowler flaps on the trailing edges, which could be lowered to 12° or 25°, and Schemp-Hirth style airbrakes aft of the mainspars. Main designer was Tadeusz Kostia.[1] The first prototype was flown on 21 September 1951 (test pilot Adam Zientek), but it revealed faults. After reconstruction, with longer fuselage and enlarged rudder (designated SZD-8-2) it appeared successful and was ordered to production.[2] From 1953 to 1957 it was the most popular competition glider in Poland.[1] Many of the 135 production aircraft were exported, garnering at least fifteen world records from May 1954 to May 1960. Licensed production was also carried out in the DDR (East Germany) and the PRC (People's Republic of China). Several variants were produced which introduced various improvements and modifications.
Variants
- SZD-8 – two prototypes, first flown 21 September 1951
- SZD 8-2 - first prototype after reconstruction, first flown 16 March 1952[2]
- SZD-8bis Jaskółka – initial production variant (first flown 24 December 1952; 30 built)[2]
- SZD-8bisE Jaskółka E - improved variant of 1954 (30 built)[2]
- SZD-8bisW Jaskółka W - variant with water ballast (1 built, later converted to SZD-8bisZ)[2]
- SZD-8bisZ Jaskółka Z - one prototype
- SZD-8bisO Jaskółka O - export variant
- SZD 8terZ Jaskółka Z – variant with water ballast, introduced in May 1958[2]
- SZD 8terZO Jaskółka ZO – variant without water ballast, introduced in 1958[2]
Specifications (SZD-8 Jaskółka)
Data from Coates, Andrew. “Jane's World Sailplanes & Motor Gliders new edition”. London, Jane's. 1980. ISBN 0 7106 0017 8
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Aspect ratio: 18.8
Performance
- Maximum glide ratio: 28.5
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
- ^ a b Template:Pl icon Krzyżan, Marian, Samoloty w muzeach polskich (Aircraft in the Polish museums), Warsaw: Wydawnictwa Komunikacji i Łączności, 1983, ISBN 978-83-206-0432-0, pp. 136-137
- ^ a b c d e f g Template:Pl iconBabiejczuk, Janusz and Grzegorzewski, Jerzy. Polski przemysł lotniczy 1945-1973 (Polish aerospace industry 1945-197). Warsaw: Wydawnictwo MON, 1974, pp. 119-120
- Coates, Andrew. “Jane's World Sailplanes & Motor Gliders new edition”. London, Jane's. 1980. ISBN 0 7106 0017 8
- Taylor, J. H. (ed) (1989) Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. Studio Editions: London. p. 29