SZD-18 Czajka

The SZD-18 Czajka (Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny - Glider Experimental Works) (Czajka in English: Lapwing) was a single-seat glider designed and built in Poland in 1956.

SZD-18 Czajka
SZD-18 Czajka at the Polish Aviation Museum
Role Glider
National origin Poland
Manufacturer SZD
Designer Władysław Okarmus
First flight 30 November 1956[1]
Retired 1966
Status in museum
Number built 1

Development

The last attempt by the LPŻ ( Liga Przyjaciół Żołnierza – Soldier's Friends League) paramilitary organization[2] to design a single-seat training glider, after SZD-15 and SZD-16 designs, was the SZD-18 Czajka (lapwing), which appeared in 1956. It had a simple structure, box fuselage, strutted high wing and low performance typical for the primary type of training glider. The LPŻ held a competition in 1955 for the design of a new primary style single-seat trainer, which was won in March 1955 by the design by Tadeusz Grudzieński, named X-11.[3] The prototype glider was constructed in the SZD in Bielsko by Władysław Okarmus, and designated SZD-18. Flight trials began on 30 November 1956 (pilot Adam Zientek) proving, that the SZD-18 had good handling qualities and performance adequate for its intended role. It was regarded as one of the best gliders in its class[4] and the Polish best training glider.[3] However, the aero clubs, now independent of the LPŻ, rejected the single-seat training concept, moving towards the more conventional two-seat pupil/instructor method, which had been proven to be quicker, more efficient and safer. No production was carried out and the sole prototype (SP-1640) flew as a club glider with the Warsaw aero club until 1966, when it was given to the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków.[3]

Czajka at the Polish Aviation Museum

Specifications (SZD-18 Czajka with nacelle)

Data from SZD-18 Czajka[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 6.3 m (20 ft 8 in)
  • Wingspan: 10.8 m (35 ft 5 in)
  • Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area: 15.7 m2 (169 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 7.4
  • Airfoil: R-III
  • Empty weight: 141 kg (311 lb)
  • Gross weight: 226 kg (498 lb)

Performance

  • Stall speed: 40 km/h (25 mph, 22 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 133 km/h (83 mph, 72 kn)
  • g limits: +5
  • Maximum glide ratio: 9.3 at 57 km/h (35 mph; 31 kn)
  • Rate of sink: 1.13 m/s (222 ft/min) at 51 km/h (32 mph; 28 kn)
  • Wing loading: 14.4 kg/m2 (2.9 lb/sq ft)
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See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

  • SG-38 Zögling

References
  1. Katarzyna Jodzińska. "Polish Aviation Museum Cracow". Muzeumlotnictwa.pl. Retrieved 2012-04-15.
  2. Piechowski, Piotr. "SZD-18 Czajka". piotrp.de (in German). Retrieved 1 April 2020.
  3. Krzyżan, Marian, Samoloty w muzeach polskich [Aircraft in the Polish museums], Warsaw: Wydawnictwa Komunikacji i Łączności, 1983, ISBN 978-83-206-0432-0, p. 140
  4. (in Polish) Babiejczuk, Janusz and Grzegorzewski, Jerzy. Polski przemysł lotniczy 1945-1973 (Polish aerospace industry 1945-197). Warsaw: Wydawnictwo MON, 1974, p. 123

Further reading
  • Bridgman, Leonard, ed. (1958). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1958-59. London: Jane's All the World's Aircraft Publishing Co. Ltd. p. 213.
  • Taylor, J. H. (ed) (1989) Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. Studio Editions: London. p. 29
  • "Modelarz" No 4 / 60 (April 1960).
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