PZL Bielsko SZD-27

The SZD-27 Kormoran (Cormorant) (Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny - Glider experimental department) was a two-seat glider designed in Poland from 1961.

Development

The SZD-27 Kormoran was designed to cater for the large demand from Polish aeroclubs for two-seat training machines, for basic training, advanced training and aerobatics. The SZD-27 was the first and only glider designed by SZD to be built entirely of metal, with light alloy skins, formers, ribs, frames etc., with steel high strength detail parts. The undercarriage comprises a semi-recessed mainwheel with skids under the nose and at the tail. Only two were built which both survive, one in the Kraków museum store-house and one restored to airworthiness in the 1990s by a private owner. The SZD-27 Kormoran resembles a cross between a LET L-13 Blaník and an SZD-24 Foka.

Specifications (SZD-27 Kormoran)

Data from http://www.piotrp.de/SZYBOWCE/pszd27.htm

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
• Length: 8 m (26 ft 3 in)
• Wingspan: 17 m (55 ft 9 ½ in)
• Height: 1.1 m (3 ft 7 in)
• Wing area: 19.3 m² (207.7 ft²)
• Aspect ratio: 15:1
• Empty weight: 289 kg (637 lb)
• Gross weight: 517 kg (1,140 lb)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 235 km/h (146 mph)
• Stall speed: 64 km/h (40 mph)
• G limits: +8 / -4
• Maximum glide ratio: 28.1:1 @ 93km/h (58mph)
• Rate of sink: 0.8 m/s (157.5 ft/min)

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

• Slingsby T.53 Phoenix
• LET L-13 Blaník

References

• Taylor, J. H. (ed) (1989) Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. Studio Editions: London. p. 29

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to SZD gliders.

• http://www.piotrp.de/SZYBOWCE/pszd27.htm
• http://www.luftfahrtmuseum.com/htmi/itf/szd27.htm
• http://www.szdjezow.com.pl/ofirmie_eng.html
• http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1962/1962%20-%200016.html
• http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1962/1962%20-%200017.html