SZD-55

[Alf]

As I am a pondering the purchase of a new sailplane, I haven't seen to
much about the SZD-55.

Is it an outdated design? I can't find any vices with it, other than
there are not many for sale. I see more jantars than 55's.

On paper, for the price, it looks like a good performer with good
handling.

[GK]

Alf wrote:
> As I am a pondering the purchase of a new sailplane, I haven't seen
to
> much about the SZD-55.
>
> Is it an outdated design? I can't find any vices with it, other than
> there are not many for sale. I see more jantars than 55's.
>
> On paper, for the price, it looks like a good performer with good
> handling.

- It was designed in 1989, LD 1/44 TESTED not CLAIMED (please refer to
Johnson tests - http://www.ssa.org/Magazines/Johnson.asp), took second
place in Worlds. There isnt too many of them around and for the price
of a new glider it seems like the best bang for the buck these days.

[[email protected]]

1:44 ? One foot forward for every 44 feet down. That's even worse than
a PW5.

[Bob]

Alf wrote:
> other than there are not many for sale.

Maybe that is testament to how content the owners are!

Ease of assembly, flying characteristics, value/performance for the
money...... it takes a lot to beat it.

Bob

[Nils Hoeimyr]

Bob wrote:
> Alf wrote:
>
>> other than there are not many for sale.
>
>
> Maybe that is testament to how content the owners are!
>
> Ease of assembly, flying characteristics, value/performance for the
> money...... it takes a lot to beat it.

Agree to all of that. ;o)

Note that the SZD-55 is in production again,
you will find more info here: http://www.szd.com.pl


Nils [ SZD-55 "AZ" ]

[WDM]

As one of 2 SZD-55 owners at our field, I can attest to the great
support both from Allstar out of Poland and the North American
Distributor (Jerzy at Windpath). We have had great ease in getting
parts and service. We have been very pleased so far.

....WDM
Bob wrote:
> Alf wrote:
>
>> other than there are not many for sale.
>
>
> Maybe that is testament to how content the owners are!
>
> Ease of assembly, flying characteristics, value/performance for the
> money...... it takes a lot to beat it.
>
> Bob
>

[Kevin Christner]

WDM wrote:
> As one of 2 SZD-55 owners at our field, I can attest to the great
> support both from Allstar out of Poland and the North American
> Distributor (Jerzy at Windpath). We have had great ease in getting
> parts and service. We have been very pleased so far.
>
> ...WDM

Jerzy provides excellent support. I got a new panel for my Jantar from
him and everything was great.

Kevin Christner

[Yurek]

"Alf" > wrote in message . com>...
> As I am a pondering the purchase of a new sailplane, I haven't seen to
> much about the SZD-55.
> Is it an outdated design? I can't find any vices with it, other than
> there are not many for sale. I see more jantars than 55's.
> On paper, for the price, it looks like a good performer with good handling.

Some 55's owners explained how happy they are with theirs sailplanes.
I would just like to point the question of the "outdated design".
Last year, a German pilot, Michael Sommer, confirmed excellent
performances of this glider by winning - on board of a SZD-55 the
Australian Championship in the class 15 m in Gulgong. There is no
error, you did read well : in 15 m class, not in the standard class !
In one of tasks, he reached the average speed of 159,55 km/h in a race
of 421 km...