SZD-41-JANTAR

SZD-41 Jantar Standard was a Polish, single-seat, sports glider with a laminate structure (glass-epoxy laminate) in a medium wing configuration. The glider was developed at Szybowcowe Zakłady Doświadczalnych (SZD) based in Bielsko-Biała. The prototype flight took place in October 1973. Serial production started shortly after, which led to the creation of about 160 examples of this glider. The curb weight of the SZD-41 was 244 kilograms. Work on the SZD-41 Jantar Standard began in 1972, but the pace of research and development significantly accelerated in 1973 after the success of the SZD-43 glider in the World Gliding Championships. In the SZD-41, it was decided to use a completely laminate structure, but using many elements and subassemblies from the SZD-38 glider. Ultimately, the Jantar Standard turned out to be a highly successful design, which was exported to many countries, including Germany, the USA and the Radzicki Union. The basic production version was the SZD-41A model, which compared to the prototypes had a lower curb weight, enlarged ballast tanks and a reinforced wing structure. The SZD-41B version with slightly redesigned wings also entered production.