PZL Bielsko SZD-9 Bocian

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

SZD-9bis Bocian

SZD-9bis Bocian-1E
Type designation	SZD-9
Competition class	formerly Two Seater Class
Number built	617
Crew	2
Length	8.2 m
Height	1.8 m
Cockpit width
Cockpit height
Wingspan	17.8 m
Wing area	20 m²
Aspect ratio
Wing profile
Empty mass	345 kg
Maximum mass	540 kg
Wing loading	27 kg/m²
Maximum speed	200 km/h
Rough air speed
Stall speed	60 km/h (32.5 kts)
Minimum sink rate	0.82 m/s
Best glide ratio	26

The SZD-9 Bocian ("Stork") was designed by Marian Wasilewski, with Roman Zatwarnicki and Justyn Sandauer as a multi-purpose two-seat sailplane capable of fulfilling the needs of every area from training to competition flying.

The prototype SZD-9 flew for the first time on 10 March 1952. An improved model was accepted for a production as SZD-9bis Bocian-1A (or simply "Bocian A"). The first serial glider flew for the first time on 13 March 1953 and 11 were built.

Variants:

• SZD-9 Bocian - prototype
• SZD-9bis Bocian-1A - the first variant, 11 built
• SZD-9bis Bocian-1B - improved variant (eg. bigger tailfin), 11 built
• SZD-9bis Bocian-1C - improved variant of 1954 (wings swept at lesser angle, modified control surfaces and rear skid), 40 built
• SZD-9bis Bocian-Z - modified competition variant for 1956 World Gliding Competition, 3 built (2 rebuilt of Bocian C)
• SZD-9bis Bocian-1D - improved variant of 1958 (bigger wheel and minor modifications), 186 built
• SZD-9bis Bocian-1E - modified trainer variant of 1967 (straight wingtips, two-part canopy instead of three-part, landing gear with shock absorbers), 366 built

Apart from use in Poland, the type was exported to 27 countries, including Austria, Australia, Belgium, China, France, Greece, India, Norway, FRG, Swiss, Tunisia, Turkey, Venezuela, United Kingdom, USSR.