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Allstar SZD-59
The SZD-59 Acro is a single-seat glass composite glider for aerobatics and cross-country flying by PZL Allstar of Bielsko-Biała, Poland.[2][3][4] The SZD-59 can be flown with a 13.2m span or a 15.0m span. Attaching or detaching the wing-tips takes only a few minutes.[1][3] With 15m wing-tips it is a competitive Club Class glider, while it is a competitive aerobatic glider in the 13.2m configuration.[4] Design and certificationThe SZD-59 Acro was derived from the SZD-48-3 Jantar Standard 3[2] in 1990–91 mainly by Jan Knapik.[1][4] The fuselage is only a slightly modified version of the one used in the Jantar Standard 3. However, the T-tail has been replaced by a cross-tail with larger rudder and the elevator of the SZD-42-2 Jantar 2.[4] The design life is 15,000 hours, though at present it is approved for only 4,000 hours of operation.[2][3] In 15m configuration, the SZD-59 is approved in the utility category of JAR 22 (sailplanes) of the Joint Aviation Authorities, and in the 13.2m configuration it is approved according to the aerobatics category of JAR 22.[1][5] ManufacturerThe prototype was first demonstrated during the 1991 FAI World Glider Aerobatic Championships in Zielona Góra. Twelve Acros were built by PZL-Bielsko until the production stopped in 1996 due to economic problems.[4] Allstar PZL Glider Sp. z o.o. in Bielsko-Biała (Poland)[3] restarted production of the SZD-59 Acros in 2004.[4] Currently, it is the only unlimited glider in serial production.[4] SoaringWith a handicap factor of 100, according to the 2008 handicap list of the Deutscher Aero Club e.V.,[6] the SZD-59 in 15m-configuration is a typical Club Class glider. With 15m wing-tips with or without winglets glide performance can be enhanced by increasing its wing loading with up to 150 litres of water ballast,[3] but water ballast is not allowed in the 13.2m configuration.[7] AerobaticsIn the 13.2m configuration, the SZD-59 is certified for unlimited aerobatics,[3] whereas with the 15m wing-tips only basic aerobatic maneuvers (looping, turn, chandelle, spin) are permitted.[7] While international aerobatic championships in the unlimited category are dominated by Swift S-1 and MDM-1 Fox,[8] pilots have competed successfully with SZD-59 Acros in national and regional championships.[4] Recently, Wolfgang Kasper placed 4th in the German Nationals 2008.[9] Specifications in utility configurationData from ,[3] maximum and maneuver speed according to [5] General characteristics
Performance
* at 540 kg Specifications in aerobatic configuration Data from ,[3] maximum and maneuver speed according to [5] General characteristics
Performance
* at 380 kg See alsoComparable aerobatic glidersThe aerobatic performance of the SZD-59 13.2m is comparable to: Gliders with comparable cross-country performanceThe soaring performance of the SZD-59 15m is comparable to Schleicher ASW 19, Glaser-Dirks DG-100, Rolladen-Schneider LS1f, Glasflügel H206 Hornet, PZL Bialsko Jantar Standard, Grob G102 Standard Astir, Bölkow Phöbus B3, Schempp-Hirth Cirrus/Cirrus VTC 17,74m, Schempp-Hirth Standard Cirrus 16m, Bölkow Phöbus C1, Akaflieg Darmstadt D37, Akaflieg Braunschweig SB 7, Neukom Elfe 17m, Standard Libelle 17m and the Delphin 1 by Fritz Mahrer.[6][12] References Wikimedia Commons has media related to SZD-59 Acro.
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