Whigham GW-2
| GW-2 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Glider |
| National origin | United States |
| Designer | Gene Whigham |
| First flight | 1964 |
| Status | No longer in production |
| Number built | Two |
| Developed from | Whigham GW-1 |
The Whigham GW-2 is an American high-wing, single-seat, V-tailed, FAI Open Class glider that was designed and constructed by Gene Whigham, a retired flight test engineer for Convair.[1][2]
Design and development
The GW-2 was intended as a model that improved upon the performance of the GW-1. To that end it uses a 53 ft (16.2 m) span wing with a much higher aspect ratio of 26:1 and a Wortmann FX 61-184 airfoil. The GW-2 also uses a V-tail.[1][2][3]
The GW-2 is an all-metal design, with doped aircraft fabric covering on the aft part of the wing, behind the spar. The wing mounts spoilers for glide-path control. The landing gear is a fixed monowheel, with a secondary skid.[1][2]
The prototype GW-2 was registered as N94291 and first flown in 1964. A second GW-2 was also completed.[4][5]
Operational history
The prototype GW-1 was flown in three US National competitions.[2]
In July 2011 one GW-2 remained on the Federal Aviation Administration registry.[5]
Specifications (GW-2)
Data from Sailplane Directory and Soaring[1][2]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 53 ft 0 in (16.15 m)
- Wing area: 108 sq ft (10.0 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 26:1
- Airfoil: Wortmann FX 61-184
- Empty weight: 385 lb (175 kg)
- Gross weight: 620 lb (281 kg)
Performance
- Maximum glide ratio: estimated 37:1 at 55 mph (89 km/h)
- Wing loading: 5.7 lb/sq ft (28 kg/m2)
See also
Related lists
References
- ^ a b c d Activate Media (2006). "GW-2, GW-4 and GW-5 Whigham". Retrieved 5 July 2011.
- ^ a b c d e Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 67, Soaring Society of America November 1983. USPS 499-920
- ^ Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Retrieved 1 July 2011.
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration (July 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results N94291". Retrieved 5 July 2011.
- ^ a b Federal Aviation Administration (July 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results N4KW". Retrieved 5 July 2011.
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