SZD-17X Jaskółka L

The SZD-17X Jaskółka L was a single-seat high-performance competition glider designed and built in Poland at Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny (Glider Experimental Works) in Bielsko-Biała in 1955.

SZD-17X Jaskółka L
SZD-17x in the Polish Aviation Museum
Role Glider
National origin Poland
Manufacturer SZD
Designer Jan Dyrek, Tadeusz Kostia
First flight 9 March 1956
Introduction 1956
Number built 4
Developed from SZD-14x Jaskółka M[1]

Development

The SZD-17X Jaskółka L (Swallow Laminar) drew on the experience gained from developing the SZD-11 and SZD-14X gliders combined with new laminar flow aerofoil sections and flaps, as well as provision for water ballast[1] and a fully retractable undercarriage.[2] Main designer was Tadeusz Kostia, main constructor Jan Dyrek.[3] Construction of the SZD-17X was of conventional wooden semi-monocoque fuselage and thick skinned wooden wings with wooden spars, retaining the Jerzy Rudlicki's butterfly tail of the SZD-14X. First flight of the SZD-17X took place at Bielsko airfield, flown by Adam Zientek, on 9 March 1956.[3]

Four aircraft, (reg'n no.'s SP-1504 to SP-1507), were built for use in 1956 World Gliding Championships, but performance fell short of expectations and they finally were not used there.[4] Despite the disappointing performance, Tadeusz Góra was able to establish a cross-country speed record on 9 May 1956 whilst flying SP-1506.[4] SP-1506 was used until 1977, then it was given to the Polish Aviation Museum.[5] The glider was nicknamed laminarka, due to its laminar flow profile.[6]

SZD-17x SP-1506 showing its V-tail in the Polish Aviation Museum

Specifications (SZD-17X Jaskółka L)

Data from The World's Sailplanes:Die Segelflugzeuge der Welt:Les Planeurs du Monde[1][7]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 6.8 m (22 ft 4 in)
  • Wingspan: 16 m (52 ft 6 in)
  • Height: 1.26 m (4 ft 2 in)
  • Wing area: 13.6 m2 (146 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 18.8
  • Airfoil: NACA 652512a
  • Empty weight: 340 kg (750 lb) equipped
  • Max takeoff weight: 540 kg (1,190 lb)

Performance

  • Never exceed speed: 250 km/h (160 mph, 130 kn)
  • Aerotow speed: 140 km/h (75.6 kn; 87.0 mph)
  • Winch launch speed: 120 km/h (64.8 kn; 74.6 mph)
  • g limits: +7.9 -1.9 at 186 km/h (100.4 kn; 115.6 mph)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 31.2
  • Rate of sink: 0.8 m/s (160 ft/min) at 87 km/h (47.0 kn; 54.1 mph)
  • Wing loading: 39.7 kg/m2 (8.1 lb/sq ft)

Note: A. Glass[6] quotes different specifications: maximum glide ratio 30.5 @ 98 km/h; best sink rate 0.86 m/s @ 93 km/h; wing loading 31.2 kg/m2 (40 with ballast).

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

Notes
  1. "SZD-17x Jaskółka L (PL)". Archived from the original on 2009-08-21. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  2. Simons, Martin (2006). Sailplanes 1945–1965 (2nd revised ed.). Königswinter: EQIP Werbung und Verlag G.m.b.H. ISBN 3-9807977-4-0.
  3. Babiejczuk, Janusz; Grzegorzewski, Jerzy (1974). Polski przemysł lotniczy 1945–1973. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo MON.
  4. "SZD-17X Jaskółka L". Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  5. Krzyżan, Marian (1983). Samoloty w muzeach polskich. Warsaw: Wydawnictwa Komunikacji i Łączności. pp. 139–140. ISBN 978-83-206-0432-0.
  6. Glass, A. (ed) (1965), p.64-68
  7. Shenstone, B.S.; K.G. Wilkinson; Peter Brooks (1958). The World's Sailplanes:Die Segelflugzeuge der Welt:Les Planeurs dans Le Monde (in English, French, and German) (1st ed.). Zurich: Organisation Scientifique et Technique Internationale du Vol a Voile (OSTIV) and Schweizer Aero-Revue. pp. 124–128.

References
  • Shenstone, B.S.; K.G. Wilkinson; Peter Brooks (1958). The World's Sailplanes:Die Segelflugzeuge der Welt:Les Planeurs dans Le Monde (in English, French, and German) (1st ed.). Zurich: Organisation Scientifique et Technique Internationale du Vol a Voile (OSTIV) and Schweizer Aero-Revue. pp. 124–128.
  • Piechowski, Piotr. "SZD-17x Jaskółka L". Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  • Krzyżan, Marian (1983). Samoloty w muzeach polskich. Warsaw: Wydawnictwa Komunikacji i Łączności. pp. 139–140. ISBN 978-83-206-0432-0.
  • Babiejczuk, Janusz; Grzegorzewski, Jerzy (1974). Polski przemysł lotniczy 1945–1973. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo MON.
  • Simons, Martin (2006). Sailplanes 1945–1965 (2nd revised ed.). Königswinter: EQIP Werbung und Verlag G.m.b.H. ISBN 3-9807977-4-0.
  • "SZD-17X Jaskółka L". Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  • Glass, Andrzej (ed) (1965) Konstrukcje lotnicze Polski Ludowej [Aviation constructions of People's Poland], WKiŁ, Warsaw, p. 64–68 (Polish)

Further reading
  • Taylor, J. H. (ed) (1989) Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. Studio Editions: London. p. 29
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