The Schweizer SGS 1-24, also referred to as the Schweizer-Burr SGS 1-24, is a United States single-seat, mid-wing, Open Class competition glider built by Howard Burr and Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.[2]
The 1-24 is a development of the Schweizer SGS 1-23 that utilized a 1-23 fuselage and a newly constructed set of 55 feet (17 m) span, high aspect ratio wings.[2][3]
The aircraft was constructed as a spare time project by Howie Burr and Ernest Schweizer to produce a competition sailplane. The aircraft first flew in 1953 and one example was completed.[2][3]
Design and development
The early 1950s were the heyday of the SGS 1-23 design. From the time of its introduction in 1948 the production sailplane had dominated soaring contests in the USA.[2]
Schweizer Aircraft employee Howie Burr conceived of creating an improved version of the 1-23 by using the existing fuselage and building a set of 17.10:1 aspect ratio wings for the aircraft. The 55-foot (17 m) span wings gave the aircraft a 30:1 glide ratio and a low 2.0-foot-per-second (0.61 m/s) minimum sink speed. Those performance figures are identical to the 1-23D.[1][2]
Burr finished the aircraft in his spare time, flying it first in early 1953. The 1-24 was ready for competition flying in time for the 1953 US Nationals, which were held at Harris Hill, New York.[1][2][3]
The 1-24 design was never certified and the sole aircraft that was built is an experimental aircraft in the "racing, exhibition" class and registered as N91888.[2][4]
The 1-24 is of all metal construction, including aluminum wings.[2][3]
The design incorporated some innovative concepts in addition to the high aspect ratio wing. It had a shuttle weight that could be moved by cable through the length of the tail that allowed the glider to be trimmed anywhere between 50 mph (80 km/h) and 80 mph (130 km/h).[2][3]
Operational history
The 1-24 was given the name Brigadoon by Howie Burr, after the popular musical stage play and film of the same name.[1][2]
Burr entered the 1-24 in the 1953 US Nationals[1] and the Snowbird meet held at Harris Hill over Thanksgiving, 1955. In the Snowbird meet, Burr flew the 1-24 to second place against a field of 25 sailplanes.[5]
The 1-24 was loaned to Paul A. Schweizer to compete in the 1957 US Nationals, which were held in Elmira, New York. Burr was unable to fly the 1-24 in that contest himself, as he was contest director. Paul Schweizer did not complete the competition as his father died during the contest and he withdrew.[6]
In 1969, the 1-24 was sold to Carl Waters and moved to California. Burr later re-purchased the aircraft from Waters and carried out a complete restoration of it, including the original name "Brigadoon".[2]
Accidents
The 1-24 was substantially damaged on 25 May 1996 at landing at the Mountain Valley Airport, Tehachapi, California when it collided with two other parked gliders.[7]
Aircraft on display
The 1-24 was initially loaned to the National Soaring Museum, Elmira, New York and later title was transferred to the museum.[8] It is currently on long-term loan at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. Denver, Colorado.
