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Tweed GT-1

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GT-1
The GT-1 with the later canopy fitted
Role Glider
National origin United States
Designer George Tweed Jr
First flight 1960
Status Production completed
Number built One

The Tweed GT-1 is an American high-wing, FAI Open Class single seat glider that was designed by George Tweed Jr.[1]

Design and development

First full assembly of the GT-1 in the backyard of the house in La Mesa, California, where it was built in the garage over several years in the late 1950s. The GT-1 has the early bubble canopy in this photo.

The GT-1 was built in concert with the Whigham GW-1 as both builders shared ideas and tools. The GT-1 first flew in 1960.[1]

The lower part of the GT-1's nose was constructed from a drop tank, with the upper part fabricated from fiberglass that was laid up using the drop tank as a mold. The landing gear is a retractable monowheel. The aircraft was initially fitted with a bubble canopy. Later the fuselage was modified to allow a more reclined pilot seating position and the canopy replaced with a more streamlined one. The modifications added 200 lb (91 kg) to the glider's empty weight and the gross weight was raised 100 lb (45 kg) in partial compensation. The GT-1's 51 ft (15.5 m) span wing employs a NACA 43012A airfoil. The initial glide ratio was 29:1, but extensive work gap-filling and contouring the aircraft raised this to 33:1.[1]

Only one GT-1 was built and the aircraft was registered in the Experimental - Amateur-Built category.[1][2]

Operational history

George C. Tweed Jr. with Jack Green and the GT-1 after the first flight at Elsinore, California. The early-style bubble canopy be seen on the ground.

The GT-1 was entered in the 1960 US Nationals, but, as the designer termed it, the aircraft "proved to be a victim of technical obsolescence" and it did not place well. Both the designer and Jack Green did however complete their gold badges in the glider.[1]

By 2011 the aircraft had had its Federal Aviation Administration registry revoked and the aircraft likely no longer exists.[2]

Specifications (GT-1 later configuration)

GT-1 cockpit while the aircraft was under construction.

Data from Soaring[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: One
  • Wingspan: 51 ft 0 in (15.54 m)
  • Wing area: 155 sq ft (14.4 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 17:1
  • Airfoil: NACA 43012A
  • Empty weight: 683 lb (310 kg)
  • Gross weight: 853 lb (387 kg)

Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: 33:1 at 55 mph (89 km/h)
  • Rate of sink: 120 ft/min (0.61 m/s) at 45 mph (72 km/h)
  • Wing loading: 5.5 lb/sq ft (27 kg/m2)

See also

Related lists

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 66, Soaring Society of America November 1983. USPS 499-920
  2. ^ a b Federal Aviation Administration (July 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results N7830C". Retrieved 4 July 2011.
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