SZD-11 Albatros

SZD-11 Albatros
Role Glider aircraft
National origin Poland
Manufacturer SZD
J. Niespał
Designer Justyn Sandauer
First flight 14 September 1954
Number built 1
Developed from SZD-8 Jaskółka

The SZD-11 Albatros was a single-seat glider aircraft that was designed and built in Poland at Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny - Glider Experimental Works in Bielsko-Biała in 1954. Only one prototype was completed and flown.

Development

Based on a fuselage of the SZD-8 Jaskółka, the SZD-11 Albatros was designed to investigate the performance of aircraft during flight in thermal lift. The main designer was Justyn Sandauer, and the main constructor was J. Niespał.[1] With wings of greater span, and reduced empty weight, the wing loading was reduced, markedly improving the climb performance over the 16m-span SZD-8 Jaskółka. Three more SZD-11 aircraft were planned with fixed trailing edges and no flaps, but only the prototype was completed. The SZD-11 first flew on 14 September 1954, flown by Tadeusz Góra.[1]

Specifications (SZD-11 Albatros)

Data from http://www.piotrp.de/SZYBOWCE/dszd11.htm

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 7.6 m (24 ft 11 in)
  • Wingspan: 18 m (59 ft 0 in)
  • Height: 1.41 m (4 ft 7 in)
  • Wing area: 17.7 m2 (191 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 18.3
  • Airfoil: NACA 23012A
  • Empty weight: 208 kg (459 lb)
  • Gross weight: 353 kg (778 lb)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 230 km/h (143 mph, 124 kn)
  • Stall speed: 52 km/h (32 mph, 28 kn)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 26 at 74 km/h (46 mph/40 kts)
  • Rate of sink: 0.70 m/s (138 ft/min) at 61 km/h (38 mph/33 kts)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

  1. ^ a b (in Polish) Babiejczuk, Janusz and Grzegorzewski, Jerzy. Polski przemysł lotniczy 1945-1973 (Polish aerospace industry 1945-197). Warsaw: Wydawnictwo MON, 1974, p. 120
  • Coates, Andrew. “Jane's World Sailplanes & Motor Gliders new edition”. London, Jane's. 1980. ISBN 0-7106-0017-8
  • Taylor, J. H. (ed) (1989) Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. Studio Editions: London. p. 29
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