Scanlan SG-1A

The Scanlan SG-1A is an American, single seat, pod-and-boom, high-wing, strut-braced glider that was designed by Thomas W. Scanlan in 1970 and sold in the form of plans for amateur construction.[1][2]

SG-1A
Role Glider
National origin United States
Designer Thomas W. Scanlan
First flight 1970
Introduction 1970
Number built 5 (estimated)

Design and development

The SG-1 was conceived as a very simple and economical aircraft that could be built with modest construction skills and very little financial investment. The prototype was completed in 1970 for US$400 and subsequent aircraft were built for under US$1000.[1][2]

The SG-1 is constructed with a welded steel fuselage and tail surfaces and covered with doped aircraft fabric. The wing is made from an aluminium structure, covered in aluminum sheet and features upper-surface spoilers and a modified Gö 549 airfoil. The landing gear is a monowheel with the forward fuselage protected by a skid. The airframe was static tested to 9g without failing.[1][2]

With a very low stall speed of 32 mph (51 km/h), pilots who have flown the aircraft claim that the SG-1 can fly a thermal inside a Schweizer SGS 1-26.[2]

Operational history

In April 2011 there was one SG-1 and one SG-1A on the Federal Aviation Administration registry.[3]

Variants
SG-1
Prototype design, with V-struts and a constant-chord wing. One built.[1][2]
SG-1A
Improved model, with double-tapered wings and single wing struts. About four built.[1][2]

Aircraft on display

Specifications (SG-1A)

Data from Sailplane Directory and Soaring[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 40 ft 0 in (12.19 m)
  • Wing area: 125 sq ft (11.6 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 15.4:1
  • Airfoil: modified Gö 549
  • Empty weight: 300 lb (136 kg)
  • Gross weight: 550 lb (249 kg)

Performance

  • Stall speed: 32 mph (51 km/h, 28 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 100 mph (160 km/h, 87 kn)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 20:1 at 55 mph (89 km/h)
  • Rate of sink: 180 ft/min (0.91 m/s) at 47 mph (76 km/h)
  • Wing loading: 4.4 lb/sq ft (21 kg/m2)

See also

References
  1. Activate Media (2006). "SG-1A Scanlan". Archived from the original on May 6, 2002. Retrieved April 6, 2011.
  2. Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 18. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (April 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved April 6, 2011.
  4. US Southwest Soaring Museum (2010). "Sailplanes, Hang Gliders & Motor Gliders". Retrieved May 26, 2011.
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