Schweizer SGS 1-26 - Design and Development

Design and Development

Schweizer Aircraft originally proposed the idea of a simple, inexpensive, one-design class sailplane at the 1945 Motorless Flight Conference.

This concept was revived in 1954. At that time the Schweizer SGS 1-23 was the only sailplane in production in the United States and demand for it had dropped off, due to its high price. At the same time the number of people participating in soaring had increased and there was a clear market for a low cost sailplane.

Design goals for the new glider included:

• available as a kit
• small and light weight for ease of storage and construction
• rugged design with a focus on pilot protection
• launched by autotow, winch and aerotow
• enough performance for Gold distance flights (300 km)
• low minimum sink speed ability to soar in light conditions

Schweizer Aircraft felt that the best way to produce a low cost sailplane was with a new design that could be made available as a kit.

The resulting kit sailplane design had three main features:

• No critical parts would be fabricated by the builder to ensure reliability, minimize jigs and simplify construction.
• Assembly in six months, so it could be built over one winter.
• A complete kit, so the builder would not have to waste time sourcing his own parts.

Schweizer initially envisioned production to be restricted to kits, with the possibility of full production of completed aircraft if demand warranted.

Initial reception of the new model was very positive. A complete review of the aircraft was published in the March-April 1954 issue of the Soaring Society of America's Soaring Magazine. Sufficient orders were forthcoming that full production soon commenced.

The 1-26 received type certificate 1G10 on 14 December 1954. The type certificate is currently held by K & L Soaring of Cayuta, New York K & L Soaring now provides all parts and support for the Schweizer line of sailplanes.