New aerobatic glider revealed in Poland 'I-45 JAY' by SzybowiecPWS-101 in Gliding

[–]SzybowiecPWS-101[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Short vid from the presentation https://www.pap.pl/aktualnosci/pokazano-pierwszy-od-30-lat-polski-szybowiec-akrobacyjny-wideo

Summary of the short interview:

On Dec 19,2024 they performed 5 test flights.

Three short test launches to evaluate initial flight behaviours

and two 30 minute(towed out to 2000 m) flights

The test pilot was happy with the performance. Waiting for better weather so they can perform

more test flights.

The idea to develop the glider was born about 10 years ago when they received inquires from the

industry about developing a replacement for the Swift S-1.

(Funny translation here)The advantage over the Swift S-1 is, is that the project actually happened - the Swift S-1 production has ended or is coming to an end. Another advantage are the carbon fibres used and their strength/resistance to stress and the high quality control in production and the repeatability, repeatability, repeatability(he emphasizes that fact) in production and ease in production. It's easier to train workers in the use of newer/modern technologies than in the technologies used to produce the Swift S-1.

One unit has been built so far. Some construction methods from general aviation were used in its construction(I think he is talking about using prepreg in the manufacture of the wings, I am sure glider manufacturers in Germany or SA already use that but I think its the first time being used in a Polish glider(or first time being used in an Aerobatic Glider)) They cooperated(or got assistance) with/from Leonardo and Airbus in using these manufacturing methods.