SZD-11 Albatros
Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny (SZD) · Poland · first flew 1954 · glider
The SZD-11 Albatros was a Polish single-seat experimental glider built in the 1950s by the Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny to investigate performance in thermal lift.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.6 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unpowered sailplane — no engine
- Polish high-performance single-seat experimental glider of the 1950s
- Long tapered wings with high aspect ratio for sustained soaring
Very long straight high-aspect-ratio wings are the primary identifier — the 18 m span is immediately apparent. The single-seat fuselage and absence of any engine or propeller confirm the sailplane type.
Specifications
- The SZD-11 Albatros has a length of 7.6 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18 m (59 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 230 km/h (143 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1954, the Albatros was produced in reasonable numbers for Polish aero clubs and the Polish Air Force glider training programme. It represented a step up from basic primary gliders, offering good soaring performance for training purposes.
Variants
The SZD-11 Albatros was refined from earlier SZD glider designs; minor production variants existed.
Where you'll see it
Used extensively by Polish aero clubs and military glider training units through the late 1950s and 1960s.
Related aircraft
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