Gehrlein GP-1
| GP-1 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Glider |
| National origin | United States |
| Designer | Jay and Rod Gehrlein |
| First flight | July 1968 |
| Status | Kits no longer available |
| Number built | At least five |
TheGehrlein GP-1is an Americanmid-wing,single seatFAI Standard Classgliderthat was designed by Jay and Rod Gehrlein and first flown in July 1968.[1][2]
Design and development
[edit]When their father, glider pilotLarry Gehrleinwas on an extended vacation, his two sons, Rod and Jay decided to design and build a new glider as a surprise for his return. The resulting GP-1 was designed and built in under a year, between the summer of 1968 and the summer of 1969.[1][2]
Unlike Larry Gehrlein's earlierGehrlein Precursor,the GP-1 is an original design and uses noSchweizer Aircraftparts in its construction.[2]
The GP-1 is an all-metal aircraft, with a 15 m (49.2 ft) wingspan. The wing is of a constant 30 in (76 cm) chord and employs a Wortmann FX-61-184airfoil.Glide path control is via a set of scissor-typespoilersandair brakes.The design was intended to be simple to construct. Kits were at one time offered for sale with at least five aircraft being completed.[1][2]
Operational history
[edit]In May 2011 there were still four GP-1s on theFederal Aviation Administrationregistry.[3]
Specifications (GP-1)
[edit]Data fromSailplane Directory and Soaring[1][2]
General characteristics
- Crew:One
- Wingspan:49 ft 3 in (15 m)
- Wing area:120 sq ft (11 m2)
- Aspect ratio:20:1
- Airfoil:Wortmann FX-61-184
- Empty weight:458 lb (208 kg)
- Gross weight:662 lb (300 kg)
Performance
- Maximum glide ratio:35:1 at 60 mph (97 km/h)
- Rate of sink:120 ft/min (0.61 m/s) at 50 mph (80 km/h)
- Wing loading:5.5 lb/sq ft (27 kg/m2)
See also
[edit]Related lists
References
[edit]- ^abcdActivate Media (2006)."GP-1 Gehrlein".Archived fromthe originalon August 19, 2012.RetrievedMay 11,2011.
- ^abcdeSaid, Bob:1983 Sailplane Directory,Soaring Magazine,page 43.Soaring Society of AmericaNovember 1983. USPS 499-920
- ^Federal Aviation Administration(May 2011)."Make / Model Inquiry Results".RetrievedMay 15,2011.