The SZD-9 Bocian was developed at the SZD factory in Bielsko-Biala as a two-seat competition glider of wooden construction. At the time, it was one of the most advanced gliders in the world.
The improved SZD-9bis Bocian 1A version entered production at the Sports Aviation Equipment Works No. 2 in Jezow Sudecki in 1953. Subsequently, the Bocian 1B, 1C and 1D versions were developed. On Bocian gliders, 29 world records were set, including an altitude of 11,680 m, an out-and-return flight of 544 km, and a speed of 108 km/h in a 100 km triangle.
In the second half of the 1960s, the Bocian was no longer suitable for competition flying and a training version, the Bocian 1E, was developed. By 1976, 645 examples were produced, exported to 27 countries. Bocians are still used in Polish aero clubs for basic training to this day.
The exhibited example, serial number P-231, SP-1358, was used by the Krakow Aero Club from 1953 to 1971. It was donated to the Museum’s collection on 11 May 1971.
| Wingspan | 18.1 m |
| Length | 8.2 m |
| Wing area | 20.0 m2 |
| Empty weight | 326 kg |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 525 kg |
| Glide ratio | 26 at optimum speed of 80 km/h |
| Sink rate | min. 0.82 m/s at economy speed of 71 km/h |
| Minimum speed | 52 km/h |
| Max. dive speed | 200 km/h |
