Stevens SU-1

The Stevens SU-1 is an American single seat, high-wing, strut-braced, glider that was designed in 1933 by students at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.[1]

SU-1
Role Glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Stevens Institute of Technology
First flight 1933
Introduction 1933
Status No longer in production
Number built about 4
Developed from Franklin PS-2

Design and development

The SU-1 was developed as an attempt to improve the performance of the Franklin PS-2, by designing new wings for it as a student project. The PS-2's straight 36 ft (11.0 m) wings were replaced with 46 ft (14.0 m) gull-wings. Like the original wings, the new wings have two spars, but instead of parallel struts, the new wings use V-struts terminating at a single fuselage attachment point. Jury struts are also used. Like the original wings, the new wings are a wooden structure, covered in doped aircraft fabric covering. The SU-1 retains the PS-2's original steel tube fuselage. The landing gear is a fixed monowheel type.[1]

Testing showed that the Stevens Institute students were successful and the SU-1 has a glide ratio of 17:1, two points better than the PS-2. It also has a slightly higher sink rate of 180 feet per minute versus the PS-2's 150. Gross weight was also increased from 400 lb (181 kg) to 550 lb (249 kg).[1]

About four SU-1s were produced.[1]

Operational history

In 1983 Soaring magazine reported that two SU-1s were still in existence, one in serviceable condition and one in need of repair.[1]

In April 2011 one remained on the Federal Aviation Administration register.[2]

Specifications (variant specified)

Data from Soaring[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 46 ft 0 in (14.02 m)
  • Wing area: 180 sq ft (17 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 11.5
  • Empty weight: 325 lb (147 kg)
  • Gross weight: 550 lb (249 kg)

Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: 17:1
  • Rate of sink: 180 ft/min (0.91 m/s)
  • Wing loading: 3.05 lb/sq ft (14.9 kg/m2)

See also

References
  1. Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 34. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
  2. Federal Aviation Administration (April 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved April 21, 2011.
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