The Whigham GW-1 is an American high-wing, single-seat glider that was designed and constructed by Gene Whigham, a retired flight test engineer for Convair.^[1][2][3]

The GW-1 was built in concert with the Tweed GT-1 as both builders shared ideas and tools. The two aircraft share some common design features, although their wings are completely different. The GW-1 first flew in 1959 and at that time had a 40 ft (12 m) wingspan.^[1][2]

The GW-1's wings were extended in 1961 with new tips to 44.5 ft (14 m). The constant-chord wing features a NACA 23018 airfoil and flaps of 25% chord and 22 ft (7 m) span. The aircraft's construction is all-metal, except for the fiberglass nose.^[1][2][4]

Only one GW-1 was built and it was registered in the Experimental Amateur-built category.^[1][2][3]

The GW-1 was used to complete a diamond badge goal flight in 1961.^[2]

In July 2011, some 52 years after its completion, the aircraft was still on the Federal Aviation Administration registry and owned by John Coughlin of Del Rio, Texas.^[3]

Data from Sailplane Directory and Soaring^[1][2]

General characteristics

• Crew: one
• Wingspan: 44 ft 6 in (13.56 m)
• Wing area: 107 sq ft (9.9 m²)
• Aspect ratio: 18.5:1
• Airfoil: NACA 23018
• Empty weight: 340 lb (154 kg)
• Gross weight: 540 lb (245 kg)

Performance

• Maximum glide ratio: 29 at 55 mph (89 km/h)
• Wing loading: 5.0 lb/sq ft (24 kg/m²)

Related lists

• List of gliders