SZD-8 Jaskółka
| SZD-8 Jaskółka | |
|---|---|
| File:PZL Bielsko SZD-8.jpg | |
| Role | Glider |
| National origin | Italy |
| Manufacturer | PZL Bielsko |
| First flight | September Template:Avyear |
| Number built | 135 |
| Variants | - |
The SZD-8 Jaskółka (Szybowcowym Zakladzie Doświadczalnym - gliding experimental department) was a single-seat glider designed and built in Poland from 1951.
Development
With prototypes rolled out in September and December 1951, the SZD-8 Jaskółka was a high performance glider for its day, which introduced several innovations to glider design, with 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 12o or 25o, and Schemp-Hirth style airbrakes aft of the mainspars. Many of the 135 production aircraft were exported and proved its performance through holding 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 prototype aircraft.
- SZD 8-1 – initial production variant with enlarged rudder.
- SZD-8bis Jaskółka
- SZD-8bisE Jaskółka E
- SZD-8bisW Jaskółka W
- SZD-8bisZ Jaskółka Z
- SZD-8bisO Jaskółka O
- SZD 8terZ Jaskółki Z – introduced in March 1955
- SZD 8terZO Jaskółki ZO – introduced in March 1955
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: 18.8:1
Performance
- Maximum glide ratio: 28.5
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
- 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