Bikle T-6

The Bikle T-6 is an American, mid-wing, single seat, glider designed by Paul Bikle and based upon the design of the Schreder HP-14. Even though only one T-6 was built it is noted as the most tested and studied glider with complete data published. It has been used extensively as a comparative reference glider for evaluating other designs during in-flight comparisons.[1][2]

T-6
Role Glider
National origin United States
Designer Paul Bikle
Introduction 1970
Status No longer in production
Number built 1
Developed from Schreder HP-14

Design and development

Bikle developed the all-metal T-6 during the time when he was director of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration Dryden Flight Research Facility. He changed the design from the HP-14 by adding 15 in (38 cm) in to each wing, bringing the span to 57.0 ft (17.37 m). The flaps were shortened by 20 in (51 cm) each and the ailerons increased in span by a corresponding amount. The airfoil was altered from the stock Wortmann FX 61-163 to simplify construction, even at the cost of some measure of performance. The construction of the airframe was modified to eliminate the use of pop rivets and the structure and assembly requirements were simplified. The flap and flight control systems were also redesigned. Bikle also developed the T-tail, installing it in place of the HP-14's V-tail.[1][2]

The T-6 is named for Bikle's competition number "6" and the T-tailed design of the aircraft.[2]

Operational history

Upon completion of the aircraft Bikle entered it in the 1970 US Open Class Nationals, held in El Mirage, California, in which he placed fifth.[3] Following the competition Bikle, an aeronautical engineer by profession, conducted an extensive series of tests to measure the performance of the aircraft and then published his results in Soaring Magazine, the journal of the Soaring Society of America. As a result of its precisely-known performance, the aircraft has often been used as a comparative platform for evaluating other sailplanes in flight.[2]

The aircraft has been removed from the Federal Aviation Administration aircraft register.[4]

Specifications (T-6)

Data from Soaring[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 57 ft 0 in (17.37 m)
  • Airfoil: Wortmann FX 61-163 modification
  • Empty weight: 590 lb (268 kg)
  • Gross weight: 810 lb (367 kg)

Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: 36.3:1 at 55.2 mph (88.8km/h)
  • Rate of sink: 124.8 ft/min (0.634 m/s) at 49.5 mph (79.7 km/h)
  • Wing loading: 5.68 lb/sq ft (27.7 kg/m2)
gollark: [REDACTED FOR NATIONAL SECURITY REASONS], so [DATA EXPUNGED], and the court order prevents me from saying more.
gollark: I cringe at myself 11.03 minutes ago.
gollark: https://i.redd.it/n8zq5twze0a41.jpg
gollark: 3d6, how did your framing go?
gollark: Hello, existent people.

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

References
  1. Activate Media (2006). "HP-13 and HP-14 HP Aircraft, LLC". Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 27 April 2011.
  2. Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 37. Soaring Society of America November 1983. USPS 499-920
  3. "Desert Arena". Soaring. 34 (11): 12–20. November 1970.
  4. Federal Aviation Administration (April 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved 27 April 2011.
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