Slingsby Grasshopper

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slingsby_Grasshopper

The Slingsby T.38 Grasshopper is a British primary training glider built by
Slingsby Sailplanes for the Royal Air Force.

Role
Primary glider

Manufacturer
Slingsby Sailplanes Limited

First flight
1952

Introduction
1952

Primary user
Royal Air Force

Number built
115

The design is based on the pre-World War II German SG 38 Schulgleiter, modified
to use the wing design of the Slingsby T.7 Kirby Cadet glider. The design was
cheap to manufacture and was designed to be stored dismantled. The type was used
by Air Training Corps Squadrons between 1952 and the late 1980s.

The RAF designated the glider the Grasshopper TX.1 and the first order was for
65 aircraft which were delivered in 1952 and 1953. It was later followed by two
further orders for an additional 50 aircraft, the final delivery was made in
1963.

Launch is achieved through the use of a V shaped bungee or elastic rope pulled
by a team of helpers. The glider can also be mounted on a pivoting tripod
pointed into wind for the demonstration of controls.

The Grasshopper is virtually identical to the EoN Eton.

Specifications (Grasshopper TX.1)

General characteristics
Crew: 1
Length: 20 ft 8 in (6.3 m)
Wingspan: 39 ft 0 in (11.88 m)
Height: 8 ft 0 in (2.43 m)
Wing area: 173.9 sq ft (16.16 m2)
Aspect ratio: 8.73
Airfoil: Göttingen 426
Empty weight: 293 lb (132.9 kg)
Gross weight: 550 lb (249.5 kg)

Performance
Stall speed: 30 mph; 26 kn (48 km/h)
Never exceed speed: 80 mph; 70 kn (129 km/h)
Wing loading: 3.10 lb/sq ft (15.13 kg/m2)




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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slingsby_Grasshopper

The Slingsby T.38 Grasshopper is a British primary training glider
built by Slingsby Sailplanes for the Royal Air Force.