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 certification
The 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 However, the T-tail has been replaced by a cross-tail with larger rudder and the elevator of the SZD-42-2 Jantar 2.[4]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]
With 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]
Aerobatics
In 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 configuration
Data from ,[3] maximum and maneuver speed according to [5]
