Whigham GW-1
The Whigham GW-1 is an American high-wing, single-seat glider that was designed and constructed by Gene Whigham, a retired flight test engineer for Convair.[1][2][3]
| GW-1 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Glider |
| National origin | United States |
| Designer | Gene Whigham |
| First flight | 1959 |
| Status | No longer in production |
| Number built | One |
Design and development
The GW-1 was built in concert with the Tweed GT-1 as both builders shared ideas and tools. The two aircraft share some common design features, although their wings are completely different. The GW-1 first flew in 1959 and at that time had a 40 ft (12 m) wingspan.[1][2]
The GW-1's wings were extended in 1961 with new tips to 44.5 ft (14 m). The constant-chord wing features a NACA 23018 airfoil and flaps of 25% chord and 22 ft (7 m) span. The aircraft's construction is all-metal, except for the fiberglass nose.[1][2][4]
Only one GW-1 was built and it was registered in the Experimental Amateur-built category.[1][2][3]
Operational history
The GW-1 was used to complete a diamond badge goal flight in 1961.[2]
In July 2011, some 52 years after its completion, the aircraft was still on the Federal Aviation Administration registry and owned by John Coughlin of Del Rio, Texas.[3]
Specifications (GW-1)
Data from Sailplane Directory and Soaring[1][2]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 44 ft 6 in (13.56 m)
- Wing area: 107 sq ft (9.9 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 18.5:1
- Airfoil: NACA 23018
- Empty weight: 340 lb (154 kg)
- Gross weight: 540 lb (245 kg)
Performance
- Maximum glide ratio: 29 at 55 mph (89 km/h)
- Wing loading: 5.0 lb/sq ft (24 kg/m2)
References
- Activate Media (2006). "GW-1 Whigham". Retrieved 4 July 2011.
- Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 66, Soaring Society of America November 1983. USPS 499-920
- Federal Aviation Administration (July 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results N343L". Retrieved 4 July 2011.
- Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Retrieved 4 July 2011.