The IS-B Komar glider (Komar means “Mosquito”) is the star of the next episode in our museum series on exhibits from the permanent exhibition ‘Downwind and Upwind – Civil Aviation’. Although its name suggests something small and unassuming – history of this glider and the records it has set show that this is far from the case
The IS-B Komar was designed by Antoni Kocjan – an outstanding aircraft designer. Thanks to its exceptionally lightweight construction, the glider made excellent use of even weak thermal lift, enabling long flights and record-breaking feats.
In the video below, we tell the story of this exceptional glider – from its creation, through its wartime and post-war history, right up to the example now on display in our collection. You will also learn, amongst other things: what role Antoni Kocjan’s wife played in saving the glider, what modifications were made over the years, and what record-breaking flights were carried out in it.
Further details on this remarkable aircraft can be found in the monograph The IS-B Komar Glider from the Acta Aeronautica Profile series. The publication is available for purchase:
We invite you to watch a video in which we take a closer look at the history and construction of the glider:
The IS-B Komar 49 displayed at the Museum can be seen at the permanent exhibition “Downwind and Upwind – Civil Aviation” in Hangar No. 5. The exhibition was honored with the prestigious Sybilla 2025 award in the Museum Event of the Year competition.
