The PW-5 Smyk is a Polish single-seat composite glider of the World Class. This concept aimed to create an inexpensive and simple glider with moderate performance for gliding competitions, ensuring equal conditions of competition for pilots.
The PW-5 glider prototype, serial number K-01, registration SP-P575, was designed and built at the Scientific Research Team for Composite Aircraft Structures at the Institute of Aeronautics and Applied Mechanics of the Faculty of Power and Aeronautical Engineering at Warsaw University of Technology, under the direction of Dr. Eng. Roman Switkiewicz.
It made its maiden flight on 5 September 1992, piloted by January Roman. This example, later re-registered as SP-8005, won the international competition for a World Class glider, the final of which was held in October 1992 at the Oerlinghausen airfield in Germany.
After receiving its type certificate in 1994, serial production was launched at the WSK Swidnik S.A. factory. On 27 September 1994, the International Aeronautical Federation (FAI) recognised the PW-5 Smyk as the World Class glider, a class that existed until 2014. In 2001, production of the modernised B1-PW5 version was transferred to PZL Bielsko 1.
Currently, over 300 PW-5 Smyk gliders are flying worldwide.
| Wingspan | 13.44 m |
| Length | 6.2 m |
| Wing area | 10.2 m2 |
| Empty weight | 190 kg |
| Takeoff weight | 300 kg |
| Glide ratio | 33 at a speed of 90 km/h |
| Sink rate | 0.65 m/s at a speed of 73 km/h |
| Minimum speed | 58 km/h |
| Maximum permitted speed | 220 km/h |
