SZD-10 Czapla (Heron) is a 1950s Polish two-seat training glider manufactured by SZD (Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny, Glider Experimental Works). It has unusual forward-swept wings and a steel tube fuselage covered with fabric.
Description[]
SZD-10's development began in 1952 when the paramilitary organization Soldier's Friends' League asked SZD to design a new two-seat glider for Polish aeroclubs. SZD-10 was designed mainly by Roman Zatwarnicki, Irena Kaniewska and Marian Gracz. The first prototype SP-1349 made its maiden flight on 23 November 1954, and the improved second prototype on 26 March 1954. Serial production began in 1955 and switched to the final version, SZD-10bis A, in 1958. Production ended in 1960 after a total of 157 (including the prototypes) Czaplas were built. Production was carried out at ZSLS (sport aviation equipment workshops)in Krosno, Wrocław, Bielsko and Poznań, and at the Military Repair workshop at Łódź. Ten were exported to Turkey and four to Finland.
Variants[]
- SZD-10-2 Czapla – The two prototypes.
- SZD-10bis Czapla – Initial production version. 19 built.
- SZD-10bis A Czapla – Final production version with minor upgrades, first flew on 30 July 1958. 136 built.
Specifications[]
- Crew: 1 pilot
- Capacity: 1 passenger
- Length: 8.7 m (28 ft 7 in)
- Wingspan: 16 m (52 ft 6 in)
- Height: 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)
- Wing area: 24 m2 (258 ft2)
- Aspect ratio: 10.67
- Wing profile: Göttingen 549
- Empty weight: 280 kg (617 lb)
- Gross weight: 435 kg (959 lb)
- Maximum speed: 160 km/h (99 mph)
- Stall speed: 48 km/h (30 mph)
- Maximum glide ratio: 17 at 64 km/h (40 mph/35 kts)
- Rate of sink: 0.96 m/s (189 ft/min)