SZD-18 Czajka

SZD-18 Czajka
SZD-18 Czajka at the Polish Aviation Museum
Role Glider
National origin Poland
Manufacturer SZD
Designer Władysław Okarmus
First flight 30 November 1956[1]
Retired 1966
Status in museum
Number built 1

The SZD-18 Czajka (Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny - Glider Experimental Works) (Czajka in English: Lapwing) was a single-seat glider designed and built in Poland in 1956.

Development

The last attempt by the LPŻ ( Liga Przyjaciół Żołnierza – Soldier's Friends League) paramilitary organization[2] to design a single-seat training glider, after SZD-15 and SZD-16 designs, was the SZD-18 Czajka (peewit), which appeared in 1956. It had a simple structure, box fuselage, strutted high wing and low performance typical for the primary type of training glider. The LPŻ held a competition in 1955 for the design of a new primary style single-seat trainer, which was won in March 1955 by the design by Tadeusz Grudzieński, named X-11.[3] The prototype glider was constructed in the SZD in Bielsko by Władysław Okarmus, and designated SZD-18. Flight trials began on 30 November 1956 (pilot Adam Zientek) proving, that the SZD-18 had good handling qualities and performance adequate for its intended role. It was regarded as one of the best gliders in its class[4] and the Polish best training glider.[3] However, the aero clubs, now independent of the LPŻ, rejected the single-seat training concept, moving towards the more conventional two-seat pupil/instructor method, which had been proven to be quicker, more efficient and safer. No production was carried out and the sole prototype (SP-1640) flew as a club glider with the Warsaw aero club until 1966, when it was given to the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków.[3]

Czajka at the Polish Aviation Museum

Specifications (SZD-18 Czajka with nacelle)

Data from Piotrp.de[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 6.3 m (20 ft 8 in)
  • Wingspan: 10.8 m (35 ft 5 in)
  • Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 9-1/2 in)
  • Wing area: 15.7 m2 (169 ft2)
  • Aspect ratio: 7.4 :1
  • Empty weight: 136 kg (300 lb)
  • Gross weight: 211 kg (465 lb)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 133 km/h (82.64 mph)
  • Stall speed: 42 km/h (26 mph)
  • G limits: +5
  • Maximum glide ratio: 13:1 @ 57.6 km/h ( 31 kts / 35.8 mph)
  • Rate of sink: 1.13 m/s ( ft/min)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References

  1. ↑ Katarzyna Jodzińska. "Polish Aviation Museum Cracow". Muzeumlotnictwa.pl. Retrieved 2012-04-15.
  2. 1 2 Piotr Piechowski (1956-11-30). "SZD-18 Czajka (PL)". Piotrp.de. Retrieved 2012-04-15.
  3. 1 2 3 Krzyżan, Marian, Samoloty w muzeach polskich [Aircraft in the Polish museums], Warsaw: Wydawnictwa Komunikacji i Łączności, 1983, ISBN 978-83-206-0432-0, p. 140
  4. ↑ (in Polish) Babiejczuk, Janusz and Grzegorzewski, Jerzy. Polski przemysł lotniczy 1945-1973 (Polish aerospace industry 1945-197). Warsaw: Wydawnictwo MON, 1974, p. 123
  • Taylor, J. H. (ed) (1989) Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. Studio Editions: London. p. 29
  • "Modelarz" No 4 / 60 (April 1960).

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