Whigham GW-5

The Whigham GW-5 is an American mid-wing, single seat, FAI Standard Class glider that was designed and constructed by Gene Whigham, a retired flight test engineer for Convair.[1][2][3]

GW-5
Role Glider
National origin United States
Designer Gene Whigham
Introduction 1980
Number built one

Design and development

The GW-5 was designed for the standard class and as such it features a constant-chord 15 m (49.2 ft) wing with a Wortmann FX 61-184 airfoil and flaps for glidepath control.[1][2][4]

The GW-5 is of all-metal construction. The landing gear is a faired fixed monowheel. The aircraft has a bubble canopy and a conventional low tail.[1][2]

One GW-5 was built. It was completed in 1980 and registered with the Federal Aviation Administration in the Experimental - Amateur-built category.[1][2][3]

Operational history

The sole GW-5 built was sold in September 2012 and the registration has expired.[3] It is not known if the aircraft still exists or not.

Specifications (GW-5)

Data from Sailplane Directory and Soaring[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 49 ft 3 in (15.0 m)
  • Wing area: 131 sq ft (12.2 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 18.5:1
  • Airfoil: Wortmann FX 61-184
  • Empty weight: 518 lb (235 kg)
  • Gross weight: 770 lb (349 kg)

Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: 33:1
  • Wing loading: 5.87 lb/sq ft (28.7 kg/m2)

See also

Related lists

References
  1. Activate Media (2006). "GW-2, GW-4 and GW-5 Whigham". Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  2. Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 67, Soaring Society of America November 1983. USPS 499-920
  3. Federal Aviation Administration (July 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results N8496C". Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  4. Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Retrieved 1 July 2011.
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