Starting today, the exhibition in the Main Building of the Polish Aviation Museum features a new, unique exhibit – the JK-1 amateur sports plane, built by Józef Kranc. This extraordinary design dates back to the late 1980s.
The first calculations and sketches were made in 1989, and the aircraft was completed in the spring of 1995.
The JK-1’s lightweight, wooden structure is reminiscent of pre-war RWD aircraft, and its final shape is the result of many years of work, testing, and refinement. The aircraft is powered by a 50 hp Volkswagen VW 1600 engine, coupled with a reduction gear designed by Józef Kranc and a propeller from an SZD-45 “Ogar” motor glider. The whole is a unique example of the designer’s ingenuity and passion.
The aircraft was first presented to the public at the 15th Amateur Aircraft Rally in Oleśnica in June 1996, where it won the Grand Prix and first place among 40 participants! Although a test flight was planned, ultimately – due to weather conditions and applicable regulations – only successful taxiing tests were performed. After the rally, the aircraft was dismantled and stored in Boguszów for years.
Interestingly, the aircraft was initially intended to be named “Górnik” (Miner), but was ultimately named “Irena” after the designer’s wife. Stanisław Kranc, Józef Kranc’s son, donated it to the museum.
Before it went on display, the JK-1 underwent a comprehensive restoration in our museum’s Conservation Department, thanks to which it can now be viewed in its full glory. This is the second new aircraft – following the Acro Viper – to be opened to visitors at our museum in 2026.
