DEVELOPMENT and DESCRIPTION

Poland was comparatively late in attempting an all-glassfibre design, the first SZD type in this category being the prototype Open Class Jantar 1 single-seater (or Amber) of 19m span, designed by Dipl-Ing Adam Kurbiel.

It was then developed by Dipl-Ing W. Okarmus into the SZD-41A Jantar Standard, which had the same fuselage and tail unit as the Jantar-1 but new cantilever mid-set wings of 15m span designed to OSTIV Standard Class requirements. The SZD-41A made its first flight on 3 October 1973 in the hands of A. Zientek, and the Polish team flying the type in the 1974 World Championships at Waikerie, Australia, took 3rd and 7th places in the Standard Class, while SZD-41s were placed 4th, 6th and 18th in the 1976 World Championships at Rayskala, Finland. Altogether 160 Jantar Standards had been built by the beginning of 1980 and the type has been exported to 18 countries, including both East and West Germany, the USA and the Soviet Union.

  The wings are single-spar ribless structures with foam-filled glassfibre/epoxy resin sandwich skin; no flaps are fitted and there are DFS glassfibre air brakes above and below each wing. There was originally provision for 80kg (176Ib) of water ballast in the leading edges. The fuselage is an all-glassfibre/epoxy resin shell, the centre portion having a steel tube frame on which the wings and the monowheel are mounted. The cantilever T-tail is also of glassfibre/epoxy resin, the fin being integral with the fuselage; the elevator has a spring trim. There is a retractable monowheel with a disc brake and a fixed tailwheel. The pilot sits on a semi-reclining seat under a flush-fitting two-piece canopy of which the front half is fixed and the rear section is removable for exit and entry.

The SZD-48 Jantar Standard 2 single-seater is a development of the SZD-41A also designed by Dipl-Ing W. Okarmus, and first flew in prototype form on 10 December 1977; 96 had been built by the beginning of 1980. The cantilever shoulder wings have single glassfibre roving main spars and no ribs; they are covered with glassfibre/foam/glassfibre moulded skins and have plain ailerons, with duralumin air brakes in the upper and lower surfaces. There is provision for 150 litres/33 Imp. gal.) of water ballast. The glassfibre fuselage has a steel tube central frame, and the rear portion is stiffened by half-frames and ribs. The cantilever T-tail is of similar construction to the wings and has a spring trim in the elevator. There is a retractable monowheel with disc brake and a semi-recessed tailwheel. With simple modifications to the trim and speed measuring systems the SZD-48 becomes the SZD-48-2.

The SZD-49 Jantar K is an FAI 15m class version of the Jantar Standard with wing flaps; the prototype first flew on 10 October 1978.

PERFORMANCE DATA 

 Three Axis View SZD Standard Jantar 2

FLIGHT MANUAL download (PDF 1.18MB)

GGC's SZD STANDARD JANTAR – VH-IUD

VH-IUD was purchased new from Camden in 1980. A group of members was flown to Sydney (courtesy of the RAAF) to evaluate the prospective purchase. 

The glider fitted in well as a higher performance single seater. It competed in the World Championships in 1987 being flown by Eva Daroczy of Hungary. It later performed the role of the clubs first single seat conversion for many years before being supplanted by the Junior.

At present the glider has been fitted with winglets; reputed to improve the low speed handling and performance significantly. The wings are being refinished in gelcoat and paint.

GGC's SYNDICATE STANDARD JANTAR – VH-CQX

Owned by a small syndicate of three members VH-CQX is easily recognised by it's distinctive colourful nose. It was purchased by the syndicate from Barry Woodcock who had imported it new. Over the years it has been a frequent competitor in the Australian Nationals as well as in regional competitions such as Horsham Week. It was also the Standard class winner of the Great Australian Bicentennial Glider Race.

It is fitted with the optional hinged canopy as well as a second; winch, release on the undercarriage. It has been extensively sealed as well as beautifully finished in polyurethrane.