Whigham GW-2

The Whigham GW-2 is an American high-wing, single-seat, V-tailed, FAI Open Class glider that was designed and constructed by Gene Whigham, a retired flight test engineer for Convair.[1][2]

GW-2
Role Glider
National origin United States
Designer Gene Whigham
First flight 1964
Status No longer in production
Number built Two
Developed from Whigham GW-1

Design and development

The GW-2 was intended as a model that improved upon the performance of the GW-1. To that end it uses a 53 ft (16.2 m) span wing with a much higher aspect ratio of 26:1 and a Wortmann FX 61-184 airfoil. The GW-2 also uses a V-tail.[1][2][3]

The GW-2 is an all-metal design, with doped aircraft fabric covering on the aft part of the wing, behind the spar. The wing mounts spoilers for glide-path control. The landing gear is a fixed monowheel, with a secondary skid.[1][2]

The prototype GW-2 was registered as N94291 and first flown in 1964. A second GW-2 was also completed.[4][5]

Operational history

The prototype GW-1 was flown in three US National competitions.[2]

In July 2011 one GW-2 remained on the Federal Aviation Administration registry.[5]

Specifications (GW-2)

Data from Sailplane Directory and Soaring[1][2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: one
  • Wingspan: 53 ft 0 in (16.15 m)
  • Wing area: 108 sq ft (10.0 m2)
  • Aspect ratio: 26:1
  • Airfoil: Wortmann FX 61-184
  • Empty weight: 385 lb (175 kg)
  • Gross weight: 620 lb (281 kg)

Performance

  • Maximum glide ratio: estimated 37:1 at 55 mph (89 km/h)
  • Wing loading: 5.7 lb/sq ft (28 kg/m2)

See also

Related lists

References
  1. Activate Media (2006). "GW-2, GW-4 and GW-5 Whigham". Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  2. Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 67, Soaring Society of America November 1983. USPS 499-920
  3. Lednicer, David (2010). "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  4. Federal Aviation Administration (July 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results N94291". Retrieved 5 July 2011.
  5. Federal Aviation Administration (July 2011). "Make / Model Inquiry Results N4KW". Retrieved 5 July 2011.


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