Schweizer SGS 1-23


The Schweizer SGS 1-23 is a United States Open and Standard Class, single-seat, mid-wing glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
The original "standard" 1-23 was introduced in 1948. The aircraft quickly became the most numerous competition and performance sailplane in the USA. A total of 93 of all sub-models were built by the time production was completed in 1967.

Design and development

Schweizer Aircraft started construction of the 1-23 prototype in May 1948. The aircraft was completed and first flew on 5 July 1948, only nine weeks after construction had begun.
The prototype had been ordered by Bill Frutchy of Elmira, New York and the aircraft was available for him to fly it in the second half of the US Nationals.
The first production 1-23 was ordered by E.J Reeves. The success of this aircraft led to more orders and series production was commenced. The 1-23 was initially sold on a "factory direct" basis, which allowed them to be sold at a lower price than through the dealer network.
The 1-23 received Civil Aeronautics Administration type certificate 1G1 on 22 November 1949.
The type certificate is currently held by K & L Soaring of Cayuta, New York. K & L Soaring now provides all parts and support for the Schweizer line of sailplanes.

Operational history

A 1-23, flown by William Ivans, set a world altitude record for gliders on 30 December 1950, reaching a height of 42,089 ft.
1-23Ds were flown by Paul McCready to win the 1953 US Nationals and to set a distance record of 455.5 miles by Joe Lincoln. Lincoln was awarded the Barringer Trophy in 1960 for that distance flight.
Paul Bikle flew the sole 1-23E to a world absolute altitude record of 46,267 feet for a record gain of 42,300 feet on 25 February 1961. The records were set in the Sierra Nevada lee wave between Mojave, California and Inyokern, California. Bikle flew the record flights without cabin pressurization or a pressure suit. His record stood for many years.
In April 2008 there were still 49 1-23s registered in the USA and 5 in Canada.

Variants

;1-23
;1-23A
;1-23B
;1-23C
;1-23D
;1-23E
;1-23F
;1-23G
;1-23H and 1-23H-15
;1-23HM

Aircraft on display