PZL Bielsko SZD-55

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The PZL Bielsko SZD-55 is a Standard Class sailplane produced by PZL Bielsko since 1988. It was built in direct competition with the Schempp-Hirth Discus. The SZD-55 is still in production with approximately 20 registered in the United States.

The SZD-55 is built of fiberglass and takes advantage of an elliptical wing. It has top surface Schempp-Hirth type spoilers. It is a modern glider with pleasant handling that is easy to assemble, due to automatic controls hookup. With an empty weight of about 215 kg, it is the lightest of the current standard class gliders and is known for its excellent climbing and thermalling characteristics. The SZD-55 has a fairly cambered wing-section and performs well at lower speeds, but with plenty of water ballast (it can take 200 liters) it can can also keep up well at higher speeds.

pecifications

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crew=One
capacity=195 kg (429 lb) of water ballast, plus 6 kg (13 lb) in tail
length m=6.41
length ft=21
length in=0
span m=15.00
span ft=49
span in=3
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height m=1.30
height ft=4
height in=3
wing area sqm=9.6
wing area sqft=103
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aspect ratio= 23.4
empty weight kg=ca. 215
empty weight lb=473
gross weight kg=500
gross weight lb=1,100
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max speed kmh=255
max speed mph=159
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glide ratio= ca. 43
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sink rate ms= 0.68
sink rate ftmin= 134

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References

* [http://www.szd.com.pl/ Allstar SZD, the manufacturer of the SZD-55]
* [http://www.windpath.ca/catalog/SZD_55_1.asp US Dealer of SZD Sailplanes]
* [http://www.sailplanedirectory.com/PlaneDetails.cfm?PlaneID=357 SZD-55 on sailplanedirectory.com]