| GT-1 | |
|---|---|
 The GT-1 with the later canopy fitted | |
| General information | |
| Type | Glider |
| National origin | United States |
| Designer | |
| Status | Production completed |
| Number built | One |
| History | |
| First flight | 1960 |
The Tweed GT-1 is an American high-wing, FAI Open Class single seat glider that was designed by George Tweed Jr. [1]
The GT-1 was built in concert with the Whigham GW-1 as both builders shared ideas and tools. The GT-1 first flew in 1960. [1]
The lower part of the GT-1's nose was constructed from a drop tank, with the upper part fabricated from fiberglass that was laid up using the drop tank as a mold. The landing gear is a retractable monowheel. The aircraft was initially fitted with a bubble canopy. Later, the fuselage was modified to allow a more reclined pilot seating position and the canopy replaced with a more streamlined one. The modifications added 200 lb (91 kg) to the glider's empty weight and the gross weight was raised 100 lb (45 kg) in partial compensation. The GT-1's 51 ft (15.5 m) span wing employs a NACA 43012A airfoil. The initial glide ratio was 29:1, but extensive work gap-filling and contouring the aircraft raised this to 33:1. [1]
Only one GT-1 was built and the aircraft was registered in the Experimental - Amateur-Built category. [1] [2]
The GT-1 was entered in the 1960 US Nationals, but, as the designer termed it, the aircraft "proved to be a victim of technical obsolescence" and it did not place well. Both the designer and Jack Green did however complete their gold badges in the glider. [1]
By 2011 the aircraft had had its Federal Aviation Administration registry revoked and the aircraft likely no longer exists. [2]
Data from Soaring [1]
General characteristics
Performance
Related lists
