Gehrlein GP-1
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| GP-1 | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Type | Glider |
| National origin | United States |
| Designer | Jay and Rod Gehrlein |
| Status | Kits no longer available |
| Number built | At least five |
| History | |
| First flight | July 1968 |
The Gehrlein GP-1 is an American mid-wing, single seat FAI Standard Class glider that was designed by Jay and Rod Gehrlein and first flown in July 1968.[1][2]
When their father, glider pilot Larry Gehrlein was on an extended vacation, his two sons, Rod and Jay decided to design and build a new glider as a surprise for his return. The resulting GP-1 was designed and built in under a year, between the summer of 1968 and the summer of 1969.[1][2]
Unlike Larry Gehrlein's earlier Gehrlein Precursor, the GP-1 is an original design and uses no Schweizer Aircraft parts in its construction.[2]
The GP-1 is an all-metal aircraft, with a 15 m (49.2 ft) wingspan. The wing is of a constant 30 in (76 cm) chord and employs a Wortmann FX-61-184 airfoil. Glide path control is via a set of scissor-type spoilers and air brakes. The design was intended to be simple to construct. Kits were at one time offered for sale with at least five aircraft being completed.[1][2]
Operational history
In May 2011 there were still four GP-1s on the Federal Aviation Administration registry.[3]