Schweizer SGS 1-24

The Schweizer SGS 1-24, also referred to as the Schweizer-Burr SGS 1-24, is a United States single-seat, mid-wing, Open Class competition glider built by Howard Burr and Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.[2]

SGS 1-24
Brigadoon at Wings Museum
Role Open-class sailplane
National origin United States
Manufacturer Schweizer Aircraft Corporation
Designer Howard Burr and Ernest Schweizer
First flight 1953[1]
Status Currently at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, on long-term loan from National Soaring Museum
Number built 1
Developed from SGS 1-23

The 1-24 is a development of the Schweizer SGS 1-23 that utilized a 1-23 fuselage and a newly constructed set of 55 feet (17 m) span, high aspect ratio wings.[2][3]

The aircraft was constructed as a spare time project by Howie Burr and Ernest Schweizer to produce a competition sailplane. The aircraft first flew in 1953 and one example was completed.[2][3]

Design and development

The early 1950s were the heyday of the SGS 1-23 design. From the time of its introduction in 1948 the production sailplane had dominated soaring contests in the USA.[2]

Schweizer Aircraft employee Howie Burr conceived of creating an improved version of the 1-23 by using the existing fuselage and building a set of 17.10:1 aspect ratio wings for the aircraft. The 55-foot (17 m) span wings gave the aircraft a 30:1 glide ratio and a low 2.0-foot-per-second (0.61 m/s) minimum sink speed. Those performance figures are identical to the 1-23D.[1][2]

Burr finished the aircraft in his spare time, flying it first in early 1953. The 1-24 was ready for competition flying in time for the 1953 US Nationals, which were held at Harris Hill, New York.[1][2][3]

The 1-24 design was never certified and the sole aircraft that was built is an experimental aircraft in the "racing, exhibition" class and registered as N91888.[2][4]

The 1-24 is of all metal construction, including aluminum wings.[2][3]

The design incorporated some innovative concepts in addition to the high aspect ratio wing. It had a shuttle weight that could be moved by cable through the length of the tail that allowed the glider to be trimmed anywhere between 50 mph (80 km/h) and 80 mph (130 km/h).[2][3]

Operational history

The 1-24 was given the name Brigadoon by Howie Burr, after the popular musical stage play and film of the same name.[1][2]

Burr entered the 1-24 in the 1953 US Nationals[1] and the Snowbird meet held at Harris Hill over Thanksgiving, 1955. In the Snowbird meet, Burr flew the 1-24 to second place against a field of 25 sailplanes.[5]

The 1-24 was loaned to Paul A. Schweizer to compete in the 1957 US Nationals, which were held in Elmira, New York. Burr was unable to fly the 1-24 in that contest himself, as he was contest director. Paul Schweizer did not complete the competition as his father died during the contest and he withdrew.[6]

In 1969, the 1-24 was sold to Carl Waters and moved to California. Burr later re-purchased the aircraft from Waters and carried out a complete restoration of it, including the original name "Brigadoon".[2]

Accidents

The 1-24 was substantially damaged on 25 May 1996 at landing at the Mountain Valley Airport, Tehachapi, California when it collided with two other parked gliders.[7]

Aircraft on display

The 1-24 was initially loaned to the National Soaring Museum, Elmira, New York and later title was transferred to the museum.[8] It is currently on long-term loan at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. Denver, Colorado.

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: One
  • Wingspan: 55 ft 6 in (16.9 m)
  • Wing area: 180 sq ft (14.8 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 17.10
  • Airfoil: NACA 43012A, 23009
  • Empty weight: 585 lb (265 kg)
  • Gross weight: 785 lb (356 kg)

Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: 30 at 40 mph (80 km/h)
  • Rate of sink: 120 ft/min (0.61 m/s)

See also

Related lists

References
  1. Schweizer, Paul A: Wings Like Eagles, The Story of Soaring in the United States, page 136. Smithsonian Institution Press, 1988. ISBN 0-87474-828-3
  2. Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 30. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
  3. Activate Media (2006). "SGS 1-24 Schweizer". Archived from the original on 2002-01-19. Retrieved 2008-05-22.
  4. Federal Aviation Administration (May 2008). "FAA Registry". Retrieved 2008-05-22.
  5. Schweizer, Paul A: Wings Like Eagles, The Story of Soaring in the United States, page 150. Smithsonian Institution Press, 1988. ISBN 0-87474-828-3
  6. Schweizer, Paul A: Wings Like Eagles, The Story of Soaring in the United States, page 161. Smithsonian Institution Press, 1988. ISBN 0-87474-828-3
  7. National Transportation Safety Board (May 1996). "LAX96LA218". Retrieved 2008-06-05.
  8. Munson, J. (n.d.). "Sailplanes in Our Collection". Archived from the original on 2011-05-16. Retrieved 2008-04-15.
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