Slingsby Skylark 2

The Slingsby T.41 Skylark 2 was a sailplane produced from 1953 by Slingsby Sailplanes at Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire.

Slingsby T.41 Skylark 2
Skylark 2C (BGA778)
Role Sailplane
National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer Slingsby Sailplanes
Designer John Reussner
First flight 1953
Number built 63
Developed from Slingsby Skylark 1
Variants Skylark 3, Skylark 4

Design and development

Following the technical success of the T.37 Skylark, the concept was expanded with the introduction of the T.41 Skylark 2. The use of laminar-flow sections was continued but the section at the tips was changed to NACA4415 to reduce the tendency to tip-stall. The Skylark 2 was very similar in shape to its predecessor but had a smooth-skinned rounded fuselage and a wing of greater span and area. Composite materials were introduced in the Skylark 2, with the nose cone, wingtips and various small fairings made from polyester resin glassfibre. The thickness of the aerofoils was increased to ensure that drag was reduced over a wider speed range allowing the Skylark 2 to climb faster in thermals at low speed and race between thermals at high speed.

History

The prototype was flown in November 1953 and tested by the British Gliding Association's Test Group No.1 based at Lasham Airfield. Results of the tests showed that the Skylark 2 was a safe aircraft with a reasonable performance. Orders were received from individuals, clubs and syndicates, but the Skylark 2 was soon outclassed in international competitions.

Specifications (Skylark 2)

Data from ,[1] The World's Sailplanes:Die Segelflugzeuge der Welt:Les Planeurs du Monde[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 24 ft 0 in (7.31 m)
  • Wingspan: 48 ft 0 in (14.63 m)
  • Wing area: 144 sq ft (13.4 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 16
  • Airfoil: centre section NACA 633-620, tip NACA 4415
  • Empty weight: 420 lb (190.5 kg)
  • Gross weight: 600 lb (272.1 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 679 lb (308 kg)

Performance

  • Stall speed: 32 kn (37 mph, 59 km/h)
  • Never exceed speed: 116 kn (134 mph, 215 km/h)
  • Aerotow speed: 71 kn (131.5 km/h; 81.7 mph)
  • Winch launch speed: 60 kn (111.1 km/h; 69.0 mph)
  • g limits: +7.5 -3.8 at 66 kn (122 km/h; 76 mph)
  • Lift-to-drag: 30 at 42 kn (78 km/h; 48 mph)
  • Wing loading: 4.7 lb/sq ft (23 kg/m2)

See also

Related lists

Notes
  1. Ellison, Norman (1971). British Gliders and Sailplanes 1922-1970 (1st ed.). London: Adam & Charles Black. p. 208. ISBN 0 7136 1189 8.
  2. Shenstone, B.S.; K.G. Wilkinson; Peter Brooks (1958). The World's Sailplanes:Die Segelflugzeuge der Welt:Les Planeurs dans Le Monde (in English, French, and German) (1st ed.). Zurich: Organisation Scientifique et Technique Internationale du Vol a Voile (OSTIV) and Schweizer Aero-Revue. pp. 9–13.

References
  • Ellison, Norman (1971). British Gliders and Sailplanes 1922-1970 (1st ed.). London: Adam & Charles Black. p. 208. ISBN 0 7136 1189 8.
  • Simons, Martin (1996). Slingsby Sailplanes (1st ed.). Shrewsbury: Airlife. pp. 162–167. ISBN 1 85310 732 8.
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