The first Polish all-metal glider. In 1960, the Aeroklub PRL commissioned the development of a two-seater metal glider for training and instruction. The idea behind introducing metal gliders was to standardize equipment across aeroclubs by limiting the number of types used. Furthermore, metal gliders had a longer service life and could be stored outdoors.
The designers responded with the SZD-27 Kormoran, developed at the Bielsko-Biała Glider Experimental Works under the supervision of engineer Józef Niespała in 1961–1962, and the PZL M-8 Pelikan. The Kormoran was selected for implementation. The Kormoran prototype was flown by Adam Zientek on January 2, 1965. Serial production was not undertaken – only two prototypes were built. The production of an all-metal glider allowed the Glider Experimental Works to gain experience in the design and construction of metal structures.
The first SZD-27 Kormoran prototype, registration SP-2463, was operated by the Poznań Aeroclub from 1968 to 1981. It was transferred to the Museum in 1982. The glider’s fuselage is on display.
| Wingspan | 17,0 m |
| Length | 8,0 m |
| Takeoff weight | 552 kg |
| Empty weight | 382 kg |
| Max. speed | 150 km/h |
| Wing area | 19,3 m2 |
| Glide ratio | 28,1 at optimum speed of 93 km/h |
| Sink rate | min. 0,8 m/s at economy speed of 80 km/h |
| Minimum speed | 64 km/h |
| Max. dive speed | 235 km/h |
