SZD-55
PZL Bielsko (SZD) · Poland · first flew 1988 · glider
The SZD-55 is a Polish Standard Class competition sailplane designed by PZL Bielsko, first flown in 1988. It is a high-performance fibreglass glider optimised for FAI Standard Class competition.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | T-tail with slim GRP fuselage and 15 m wingspan |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unpowered sailplane — no engine
- Polish Standard Class competition glider from 1988
- T-tail with slim GRP fuselage and 15 m wingspan
A slim, elegant Standard Class sailplane with a 15 m span tapered wing, T-tail, and smooth GRP fuselage — distinguished from earlier SZD types by its more refined composite construction and cleaner aerodynamics.
Specifications
- The SZD-55 has a length of 6.85 m (22 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15 m (49 ft).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The SZD-55 was developed by PZL Bielsko (the SZD factory) as a competitive Standard Class glider to succeed the SZD-48 Jantar Standard series. It features a GRP/Kevlar composite airframe and has been used in national and international competitions. The design was further developed into the SZD-55-1.
Variants
The SZD-55-1 is the main production variant with detail refinements; some aircraft have been fitted with optional winglets.
Where you'll see it
Used by Polish and international competition glider pilots; the type has been exported to numerous countries.
Related aircraft
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