Slingsby Vega

T65 Vega and Sport Vega
Role	15 Metre class sailplane
National origin	United Kingdom
Manufacturer	Slingsby Aviation[1]
First flight	3 June 1977[1]

The Vickers-Slingsby T-65 Vega is a 15 metre class glider which first flew on 3 June 1977. Of fibreglass construction, it features linked camber-changing flaps and airbrakes, and a retractable main and tailwheel.^[1]

A simplified version called the T-65C Sport Vega has a non-retractable mainwheel and hinged trailing edge airbrakes instead of flaps. This version of the Vega first flew on 18 December 1979 and has no provision for water ballast.^[1]

Variants

Data from:^[1]

T65A

Initial production version first flown in 1977.

T65B

One production glider was designated T65B.

T65C Sport Vega

Fixed-wheel with no flaps or water ballast, first flown in 1980.

T65D Vega

Increased water ballast to 350 lb (160 kg) and increased all up weight to 1,120 lb (510 kg).

Vega 17L

Gliders fitted with optional wingtips to increase span to 17 metres.

Specifications (T65D)

Data from Slingsby Sailplanes.^[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: One
• Length: 22 ft 0 in (6.72 m)
• Wingspan: 49 ft 3 in (15.00 m)
• Wing area: 109 ft² (10.1 m²)
• Aspect ratio: 22.4
• Empty weight: 519 lb (236 kg)
• Gross weight: 1,120 lb (510 kg)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 160 mph (250 km/h)
• Maximum glide ratio: 42
• Rate of sink: 132 ft/min (0.67 m/s)

References

1. Simons, Martin (1996). Slingsby Sailplanes. Shrewsbury: Airlife. ISBN 1-85310-732-8.

• Hardy, Michael (1982). Gliders & Sailplanes of the World. Shepperton: Ian Allan Ltd. p. 173. ISBN 0 7110 1152 4.
• Coates, Andrew (1980). Jane's World Sailplanes and Motor Gliders. London: Jane's Publishing Company. p. 133. ISBN 0 7106 0017 8.
• Martin Simons, Slingsby Sailplanes, ISBN 1-85310-732-8

External links

• British Gliding Association data sheet