SZD-42 Jantar 2

Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny · Poland · first flew 1976 · glider

The SZD-42 Jantar 2 is a Polish high-performance open-class sailplane developed in the mid-1970s by the Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny (SZD) factory. Its 20.5-metre wingspan gives it excellent soaring performance for cross-country and competition flying.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × none, embedded-mounted
F — Fuselage	8.13 m fuselage
T — Tail	T-tail

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Spot it by:

Unpowered sailplane — no engine
Polish open-class fibreglass glider with T-tail
High-aspect-ratio wing for distance soaring

A long-winged open-class sailplane with a T-tail and smooth fibreglass finish. The 20.5-metre span, slender fuselage, and rearward-positioned cockpit are typical of 1970s open-class competition glider design.

Specifications

The SZD-42 Jantar 2 has a length of 8.13 m (27 ft).
It has a wingspan of 20.5 m (67 ft).
Its maximum speed is 260 km/h (162 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The Jantar family was SZD's primary high-performance open-class sailplane line of the 1970s, competing at world championship level. The Jantar 2 improved on the original Jantar with a refined wing and updated cockpit, winning numerous international competitions.

Variants

The Jantar 1 was the initial model; the Jantar 2 added refinements; the Jantar Standard and Jantar Standard 2 were 15-metre variants for the Standard class. Self-launching motor glider versions were also produced.

Where you'll see it

The Jantar 2 has been operated by soaring clubs and private pilots across Europe and beyond since the late 1970s, and was exported widely from Poland to Western European countries.

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