Schweizer / SGS 1-26E Last one built (700)
Glider Reg. Number: N36122
1971
Design & Development
The popular 1-26 was the basis for the creation of the 1-26 Association, which sponsored single design contests and recreational flying in this type of ship. The Association's annual One Design Championship is possibly the fairest type of competition, since it removes the performance differences seen in contests using various ships.
The 1-26E was of all metal construction with fabric-covered control surfaces. While the 'E' was heavier than other models, its best glide was at a higher speed, although its minimum sink was a bit higher. Early models of the 1-26 were available in kit form; 204 of the kit version were built.
The disassembled 1-26E on the nearby rack is ship #700, and is the last one built by the Schwelzer Aircraft Corporation. It was completed in 1979 and donated to the National Soaring Museum by C. Robert von Hellens of Phoenix, Arizona. This aircraft was on loan to the Science Museum of Chicago prior to returning to the NSM.
Specifications
Span: 40 ft 12.19 m
Length: 21.25 ft 6.48 m
Wing Area: 160 ft2 14.86 m2
Empty Weight: 445 lbs 202 kg
Pilot Weight: 225 lbs 116 kg
Flying Weight (max): 700 lbs 317 kg
Wing Loading (max): 4.38 lbs/ft2 21.4 kg/m2
Glide Ratio: 23:1 @ 53 mph 85 kmh
Minimum rate of sink: 29 ft/sec @ mph 0.88 m/sec @ 64 km/h