Gehrlein GP-1

GP-1
Role Glider
National origin United States
Designer Jay and Rod Gehrlein
First flight July 1968
Status Kits no longer available
Number built At least five


The Gehrlein GP-1 is an American mid-wing, single seat FAI Standard Class glider that was designed by Jay and Rod Gehrlein and first flown in July 1968.[1][2]

Design and development

When their father, glider pilot Larry Gehrlein was on an extended vacation, his two sons, Rod and Jay decided to design and build a new glider as a surprise for his return. The resulting GP-1 was designed and built in under a year, between the summer of 1968 and the summer of 1969.[1][2]

Unlike Larry Gehrlein's earlier Gehrlein Precursor, the GP-1 is an original design and uses no Schweizer Aircraft parts in its construction.[2]

The GP-1 is an all-metal aircraft, with a 15 m (49.2 ft) wingspan. The wing is of a constant 30 in (76 cm) chord and employs a Wortmann FX-61-184 airfoil. Glide path control is via a set of scissor-type spoilers and air brakes. The design was intended to be simple to construct. Kits were at one time offered for sale with at least five aircraft being completed.[1][2]

Operational history

In May 2011 there were still four GP-1s on the Federal Aviation Administration registry.[3]

Specifications (GP-1)

Data from Sailplane Directory and Soaring[1][2]

General characteristics

Performance

See also


Related lists

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Activate Media (2006). "GP-1 Gehrlein". Retrieved 11 May 2011.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 43. Soaring Society of America November 1983. USPS 499-920
  3. ↑ Federal Aviation Administration (May 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved 15 May 2011.
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