The Politechnika Warszawska PW-6U is a Polish two-seat training
sailplane
A glider or sailplane is a type of glider aircraft used in the leisure activity and sport of gliding (also called soaring). This unpowered aircraft can use naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to gain altitude. Sailplan ...
designed at the
Warsaw University of Technology
The Warsaw University of Technology ( pl, Politechnika Warszawska, lit=Varsovian Polytechnic) is one of the leading institutes of technology in Poland and one of the largest in Central Europe. It employs 2,453 teaching faculty, with 357 professor ...
for basic flight instruction and transition training to the
PW-5
The Politechnika Warszawska PW-5 ''Smyk'' (Polish: "Little rascal") is a single seater sailplane designed at the Warsaw University of Technology (Polish: "Politechnika Warszawska") and manufactured in Poland. It is a monotype World Class glider.
...
single-seater. It was manufactured at
PZL Świdnik
PZL (''Państwowe Zakłady Lotnicze'' - State Aviation Works) was the main Polish aerospace manufacturer of the interwar period, and a brand of their aircraft. Based in Warsaw between 1928 and 1939, PZL introduced a variety of well-regarded air ...
from 2000 and at ZS Jezow from 2007.
Development
The PW-6 was designed to be an ab initio trainer with the capability of providing cross-country training as well. It has handling and performance characteristics similar to the
Politechnika Warszawska PW-5
The Politechnika Warszawska PW-5 ''Smyk'' ( Polish: "Little rascal") is a single seater sailplane designed at the Warsaw University of Technology (Polish: "Politechnika Warszawska") and manufactured in Poland. It is a monotype World Class glider. ...
. In this way, it was envisaged that the transition to solo flying in the single-seater could be made sooner.
The prototype of the PW-6, built at the Politechnika Warszawska, PZL Świdnik and
DWLKK, made its maiden flight from
Bemowo
Bemowo is a district of Warsaw located in the western part of the city. Its territory covers the western belt of the former district of Wola, which was incorporated to Warsaw in the year 1951. The name of the district derives from the surname of ...
Airfield,
Warsaw
Warsaw ( pl, Warszawa, ), officially the Capital City of Warsaw,, abbreviation: ''m.st. Warszawa'' is the capital and largest city of Poland. The metropolis stands on the River Vistula in east-central Poland, and its population is officia ...
, in July 1998. Type certification was granted in September 2000, with Jerzy Kedzierski and
Maciej Lasek
Maciej Grzegorz Lasek (born. 15 June 1967 in Elbląg) – is a Polish engineer, specializing in flight mechanics, PhD, Chairman of the Committee for Investigation of National Aviation Accidents. He was the head of a commission that investigat ...
having performed the test flights. Serial production started at PZL Swidnik soon afterwards, with first deliveries to Egypt, New Zealand, Belgium, Canada, United States, Portugal and Germany. Production at PZL Swidnik ceased after approximately 26 aircraft had been completed, but resumed at Zaklad Szybowcowy Jezow in 2007.
Design
*Classical shoulder-wing, two seater, tandem layout, designed in accordance with the requirements of
JAR-22 Utility Category
A utility aircraft is a general-purpose light airplane or helicopter, usually used for transporting people, freight or other supplies, but is also used for other duties when more specialized aircraft are not required or available.
The term can a ...
.
*Wing shape and profile are similar to the PW-5 design: trapezoid plan with bow-shaped ends, shoulder-set on the fuselage, having a single-spar structure with sandwich shells. Schempp-Hirth-type air brakes extend on the upper wing surface only.
*Fuselage shell of glass-epoxy composite monocoque structure, stiffened with frames. Fabric-covered rudder.
*Fixed undercarriage consisting of main wheel behind the rear pilot, with shock absorber and drum brake, a smaller front wheel and a tail wheel to prevent ground scraping if over rotation takes place during take off or landing.
*Two tow releases, for aerotowing and winch-launching.
Variants
The following derivatives were projected, though not built:
*PW-7 Motorglider project: two seater side-by-side motorglider, with PW-6 wing geometry.
*PW-9A Aerobatic Training Glider, with automatic control connections and tail ballast compartment.
*PW-9M Self Launching Training Glider, with Solo engine and folding propeller.
Specifications
See also
References
*Ewald J, Flight Test: PW-6, Sailplane and Gliding, Feb-Mar 2001
The World Class Soaring Association
{{PZL aircraft
1990s Polish sailplanes
Glider aircraft
Warsaw University of Technology
PZL aircraft
Shoulder-wing aircraft
Aircraft first flown in 1998