The Polish Aviation Museum’s series of films about the aircraft on display in the permanent exhibition ‘Downwind and Upwind – Civil Aviation’ continues. In the latest episode, we take a look at the history of one of Poland’s most recognisable gliders – the SZD-30 Pirat.
Although we know it today as a wooden training glider, its history began with a completely different concept. The original design envisaged a metal structure called SOWA (Owl), but in the end, the team opted for solutions that led to the creation of the Pirat.
In the film, we also showcase the innovative features of this design, the solutions adopted by the designers, and the characteristics that influenced pilots’ opinions. You will also learn about the tragic events of 1966 during factory trials, the years-long search for the cause of the crash, and the inconspicuous fault whose discovery made it possible to completely eliminate the risk and commence large-scale production.
We invite you to watch the film about the SZD-30 Pirat glider. You can read more about this aircraft on our website, HERE
