JS-1 Revelation
Jonker Sailplanes · South Africa · first flew 2006 · glider
The JS-1 Revelation is a South African high-performance 18-metre class racing sailplane designed for competition at the highest levels of world gliding.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.89 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High-performance 18m-class racing sailplane with carbon-fibre construction
- T-tail with a distinctive high-mounted horizontal stabiliser
- Very long, slender tapered wings with winglets
Very long, elegant tapered wings with pronounced winglets are the primary recognition cue. The T-tail places the horizontal stabiliser atop the vertical fin. The fuselage is an extremely slim carbon pod tapering to a pointed tail. Retractable monowheel undercarriage. Distinguishable from European competitors by the wider cockpit fairing characteristic of South African ergonomic preferences.
Specifications
- The JS-1 Revelation has a length of 6.89 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18 m (59 ft).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed by brothers Uys and Attie Jonker in Potchefstroom, the JS-1 emerged from a design process that integrated advanced computational tools with practical soaring experience. It first flew in 2006 and rapidly made its mark in competition, with South African pilots achieving strong results at world championship level. The design was refined through successive variants and continues in production.
Variants
JS-1A (initial), JS-1B (aerodynamic refinements), JS-1C (winglets and further optimisation); the JS-3 Rapture is the 15m-class successor.
Where you'll see it
In widespread use among competitive glider pilots worldwide; has competed at FAI World Gliding Championships in the 18-metre class.
Related aircraft
- Jonker JS-3 Rapture
- Arion Lightning
- Cessna 162 Skycatcher
- Challenger 605
- Czech Sport Aircraft SportCruiser
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