Politechnika Warszawska PW-2

The Politechnika Warszawska PW-2 (English: Warsaw Polytechnic PW-2), also called the PW-2 Gapa, is a Polish lightweight high-wing, strut-braced single-seat, glider that was designed and built at the Warsaw University of Technology and also produced by DWLKK in the early 1990s.[2][3] Total number of 19 gliders were built, including variant PW-2D bis.[4][5][6]

PW-2 Gapa
PW-2D Gapa on display in the Polish Aviation Museum, Krakow, Poland
Role Glider
National origin Poland
Manufacturer DWLKK
Designer Warsaw University of Technology
First flight 25 July 1985[1]
Introduction early 1990s
Status Production completed

Design and development

The PW-2 was designed as a lightweight glider of modest performance with an open cockpit. The aircraft was intended to be produced as both a completed aircraft and as a kit for amateur construction.[2]

The aircraft is made from composite material, with its control surfaces covered in doped aircraft fabric covering. Its 11.0 m (36.1 ft) span wing employs an American-designed NACA 4415 airfoil. The maximum glide ratio is 16:1 at 69 km/h (43 mph)[2][7]

Operational history

In August 2011 five PW-2Ds were registered in the United States with the Federal Aviation Administration. All were in the Experimental - Exhibition/Racing category and all produced in 1992 or 1993.[3]

Specifications (PW-2D)

Data from Sailplane Directory,[2] Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89[8]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Length: 5.5 m (18 ft 1 in)
  • Wingspan: 11.0 m (36 ft 1 in)
  • Height: 2.45 m (8 ft 0 in)
  • Wing area: 12.7 m2 (137 sq ft)
  • Aspect ratio: 9.52:1
  • Airfoil: NACA 4415, (PW-2D - NN 18-17)
  • Empty weight: 110 kg (243 lb)
  • Gross weight: 220 kg (485 lb)

Performance

  • Stall speed: 50 km/h (31 mph, 27 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 150 km/h (93 mph, 81 kn) in smooth air
120 km/h (65 kn; 75 mph) in rough air
120 km/h (65 kn; 75 mph) on aero-tow
100 km/h (54 kn; 62 mph) on winch launch
  • g limits: +5.3 -2.65
  • Maximum glide ratio: 16:1 at 69 km/h (43 mph)
  • Rate of sink: 1.1 m/s (220 ft/min) at 58 km/h (36 mph)
  • Wing loading: 17.32 kg/m2 (3.55 lb/sq ft)

See also

Related lists

References
  1. Puchalski, Piotr. "PW-2 Gapa (Tölpel)". piotrp.de (in German). Retrieved 25 January 2015.
  2. Activate Media (2006). "PW-2D DWLKK". Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (August 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results PW2D". Retrieved 11 August 2011.
  4. Piechowski, Piotr. "PW-2 Gapa" (in Polish). Retrieved 16 February 2012.
  5. Piechowski, Piotr. "PW-2 Gapa" (in German). Retrieved 16 February 2012.
  6. Żaczek, Jarosław. "Primary Training Glider PW-2 Gapa". Retrieved 16 February 2012.
  7. Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Archived from the original on 20 April 2010. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
  8. John W.R. Taylor, ed. (1988). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89. London: Jane's Information Group. p. 628. ISBN 0-7106-0867-5.
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