Schweizer SGS 1-23
Schweizer Aircraft · United States · first flew 1948 · glider
The Schweizer SGS 1-23 is an American single-seat mid-wing glider built in Open and Standard class versions.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.23 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-seat mid-wing glider
- High-aspect-ratio wing of about 16 m span
- Later models have a taller square-topped fin and rudder
A single-seat sailplane with a long slender wing set at mid height and a conventional tail.
Specifications
- The Schweizer SGS 1-23 has a length of 6.23 m (20 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 16.05 m (53 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 225 km/h (140 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
It first flew on 5 July 1948, only nine weeks after construction began. Production ended in 1967 after 93 had been built.
Variants
Models ran from the original through 1-23B, C, E, F, G and H, with changes to wing span, wing skins, fin shape and dive brakes. The 1-23H-15 was a Standard Class version.
Where you'll see it
It became the most numerous competition and performance sailplane in the USA. Paul Bikle set a world absolute altitude record of 46,267 feet in the sole 1-23E in 1961.
Related aircraft
- Schweizer SGS 1-21
- Schweizer SGU 2-22
- Schweizer SGS 2-12
- Schweizer SGS 2-25
- Adam RA-15 Major
- Allenbaugh Grey Ghost
- Arsenal VG 70
- Avro 701 Athena
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