Slingsby T-59

T.59 Kestrel
Glasflügel 401, the pattern aircraft type for the first five T.59 Kestrels produced.
Role	FAI Open Class sailplane
National origin	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	Slingsby Sailplanes
Designer	Eugen Hänle
First flight	August 1970
Introduction	April 1971
Number built	105
Developed from	Glasflügel 401

The Slingsby T.59 Kestrel is a British Open class glider which first flew in August 1970. Of fibreglass construction, it features camber-changing flaps, airbrakes, and a retractable main wheel.

Originally a licensed built version of the Glasflügel 401, the Kestrel was produced in several variants culminating in the T.59H of 22 metres (72.2 ft) wing span. The type was successful when used in gliding competitions and was the first glider to complete a 1,000 km (621 mi) pre-declared task.

The 1,000 km out and return pre-declared task world distance record was broken in September 1972 by New Zealander, Dick Georgeson. Covering a distance of 1,001.94 km (622.58 mi) in lee wave this was the first time that this pre-declared distance task had been completed.

Data from Jane's.

General characteristics

Performance

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