| SZD-18 Czajka | |
|---|---|
| |
| SZD-18 Czajka at the Polish Aviation Museum | |
| Role | Glider |
| National origin | Poland |
| Manufacturer | SZD |
| Designer | Władysław Okarmus |
| First flight | 30 November 1956[1] |
| Retired | 1966 |
| Status | in museum |
| Number built | 1 |
The SZD-18 Czajka (Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny - Glider Experimental Works) (Czajka in English: Lapwing) was a single-seat glider designed and built in Poland in 1956.
The last attempt by the LPŻ ( Liga Przyjaciół Żołnierza – Soldier's Friends League) paramilitary organization[2] to design a single-seat training glider, after SZD-15 and SZD-16 designs, was the SZD-18 Czajka (lapwing), which appeared in 1956. It had a simple structure, box fuselage, strutted high wing and low performance typical for the primary type of training glider. The LPŻ held a competition in 1955 for the design of a new primary style single-seat trainer, which was won in March 1955 by the design by Tadeusz Grudzieński, named X-11.[3] The prototype glider was constructed in the SZD in Bielsko by Władysław Okarmus, and designated SZD-18. Flight trials began on 30 November 1956 (pilot Adam Zientek) proving, that the SZD-18 had good handling qualities and performance adequate for its intended role. It was regarded as one of the best gliders in its class[4] and the Polish best training glider.[3] However, the aero clubs, now independent of the LPŻ, rejected the single-seat training concept, moving towards the more conventional two-seat pupil/instructor method, which had been proven to be quicker, more efficient and safer. No production was carried out and the sole prototype (SP-1640) flew as a club glider with the Warsaw aero club until 1966, when it was given to the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków.[3]
Data from SZD-18 Czajka[2]
General characteristics
Performance
