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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!seismo!hao!hplabs!sri-unix!Mary.Shaw@CMU-CS-A
From: Mary.Shaw%CMU-CS-A@sri-unix.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.aviation
Subject: Schweizer sailplane wing loadings
Message-ID: <2883@sri-arpa.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 14-Jul-83 00:17:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: sri-arpa.2883
Posted: Thu Jul 14 00:17:00 1983
Date-Received: Mon, 11-Jul-83 20:16:53 EDT
Lines: 24

Here are some numbers for Schweizer sailplanes.  Schweizer is the
dominant American manufacturer, and most rentals in this country come
from this list:

MODEL	MAX	WING	WING	WING	GLIDE RATIO
	GR WT	AREA	LOADING	SPAN	 L/D @ speed
	(lb)	(sq ft)	(lb/sqft) (ft)	(ratio)	(mph)
2-33	1040	219	4.75	51	23:1 @ 50  (std 2-place trainer)
1-26E	 700	160	4.38	40	23:1 @ 53
2-32	1430	180	7.94	57	34:1 @ 66
1-34	 840	151	5.56	49	34:1 @ 55
1-35	 930	104	8.94	49	39:1 @ 47
1-36	 710	140	5.05	46	31:1 @ 53

They are rated for loads from about -2.5 or -3g to around +5g.
However, a "progressive-failure" design allows them to hang together
under much higher stress.  Last weekend I got a look at one that had
had its wing roots twisted about 30 degrees and structural rivets
sheared.  In addition, the seat failed and there was structual damage
to the fuselage.  The pilot had dived about 2000 ft at high speed and
done a sharp pullup; the factory estimated that it would take 11g
forces to do the damage.

Mary Shaw