Bowlus SP-1 Paper Wing

SP-1 Paper Wing
Anne Morrow Lindbergh flying the Bowlus SP-1 Paper Wing on launch
Role Glider
National origin United States
Designer William Hawley Bowlus
First flight 1929
Status Sole example no longer exists
Number built One


The Bowlus SP-1 Paper Wing was an American parasol-wing, single-seat, glider that was designed and constructed by William Hawley Bowlus, first flying in 1929.[1]

Design and development

The SP-1 was named the "Paper Wing" because its wing rib webs were fabricated from paper. Otherwise the aircraft was predominantly wood and doped aircraft fabric.[1]

The aircraft originally had 44 ft (13.4 m) span wing with a USA 35-A airfoil. The wingspan was later increased to 47 ft (14.3 m), mostly by increasing the size of the ailerons. The aircraft achieved a very low empty weight for its size of 160 lb (72.6 kg) and a matching low wing loading as well.[1][2]

Operational history

Charles Lindbergh readying to fly the Bowlus SP-1 Paper Wing

The SP-1 was the first American-built glider to fly for over an hour.[1] The SP-1 was flown by both Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh.

Variants

A copy of the SP-1, called the Nighthawk, was flown by William A. Cocke to a world endurance record of 21:34 in 1931. This glider is in the Museum of Flying in Santa Monica, California.[1]

Aircraft on display

Specifications (SP-1)

Data from Sailplane Directory[1]

General characteristics

Performance

See also


Related lists

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bowlus SP-1 Paper Wing.
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Activate Media (2006). "Paper Wing SP-1 Bowlus". Retrieved 9 August 2011.
  2. ↑ Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Retrieved 1 August 2011.
  3. ↑ San Diego Air & Space Museum (2011). "Museum Map". Retrieved 1 July 2011.