Stevens SU-1
| SU-1 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Glider |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Stevens Institute of Technology |
| First flight | 1933 |
| Introduction | 1933 |
| Status | No longer in production |
| Number built | about 4 |
| Developed from | Franklin PS-2 |
The Stevens SU-1 is an American single seat, high-wing, strut-braced, glider that was designed in 1933 by students at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.[1]
Design and development
The SU-1 was developed as an attempt to improve the performance of the Franklin PS-2, by designing new wings for it as a student project. The PS-2's straight 36 ft (11.0 m) wings were replaced with 46 ft (14.0 m) gull-wings. Like the original wings, the new wings have two spars, but instead of parallel struts, the new wings use V-struts terminating at a single fuselage attachment point. Jury struts are also used. Like the original wings, the new wings are a wooden structure, covered in doped aircraft fabric covering. The SU-1 retains the PS-2's original steel tube fuselage. The landing gear is a fixed monowheel type.[1]
Testing showed that the Stevens Institute students were successful and the SU-1 has a glide ratio of 17:1, two points better than the PS-2. It also has a slightly higher sink rate of 180 feet per minute versus the PS-2's 150. Gross weight was also increased from 400 lb (181 kg) to 550 lb (249 kg).[1]
About four SU-1s were produced.[1]
Operational history
In 1983 Soaring magazine reported that two SU-1s were still in existence, one in serviceable condition and one in need of repair.[1]
In April 2011 one remained on the Federal Aviation Administration register.[2]
Specifications (variant specified)
Data from Soaring[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Wingspan: 46 ft 0 in (14.02 m)
- Wing area: 180 sq ft (17 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 11.5
- Empty weight: 325 lb (147 kg)
- Gross weight: 550 lb (249 kg)
Performance
- Maximum glide ratio: 17:1
- Rate of sink: 180 ft/min (0.91 m/s)
- Wing loading: 3.05 lb/sq ft (14.9 kg/m2)
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 34. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration (April 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results". Retrieved April 21, 2011.
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