The Glider for Limitless Gliding Adventures
The SZD-55 is the standard class glider from Allstar PZL Glider for advanced cross country flying. The glider is characterised by its low weight, its characteristic elliptical wing plan with high aspect ratio and its widely praised flight characteristics. The SZD-55 is a popular glider for ambitious club & private pilots and is also flown successfully in standard class competitions.
Performant, Straightforward and Electric
With the fundamentally revised SZD-55-2 NEXUS, Allstar PZL Glider is continuing this success story and makes the model even more attractive. In addition to numerous improvements to the aircraft itself, the Allstar-e-motion electric propulsion system now offers the glider pilot a new dimension in gliding. The drive system gives the pilot the options for enjoyable cross-country flying with sufficient reserves even in less than ideal weather conditions or on particularly challenging tasks.
This means: totally relaxed flying in every respect!
- Span
- 15 m
- Aspect ratio
- 23,44
- Maximum L/D
- 42,7
- Electric drive maximum range
- ~ 130 km
- Electric drive altitude gain
- ~ 1800 m
SZD-55 - Performance with Easy Operation
Ambitious cross country flying can be practiced by any pilot with the SZD-55 family. The high-quality standard class glider has low acquisition costs and is deliberately kept simple and robust in its design. With its wings weighing only 58 kg each, its low total weight of just 240 kg (300 kg with electric drive) and automatic connections for all control elements, the glider is quick to assemble. The simple ground handling makes everyday use easy.
There is no excuse not to go flying. This philosophy continues throughout flight. The aircraft always follows the pilot's inputs directly, is agile but not instable and thus allows the pilot to maximise his concentration on tactics, strategy, weather and traffic.
NEXUS – The Glider with a Distinctive Wing
The SZD-55 is a universal cross-country glider that is optimised for a wide range of weather conditions. This is reflected in its good low-speed and climb characteristics, which are indispensable for moderate weather conditions (measured sink rate of only 0.51 m/s) and a best glide of 43 at 85 km/h, which can be pushed up to 44 at 119 km/h with appropriate ballast.
This is mainly due to the characteristic wing, whose front contour approximates an ellipse and whose trailing edge is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. The aspect ratio of 23.4 is unusually high for standard class gliders. The wing profile is robust against performance decrease caused by bugs or rain and does not require any additional boundary layer control such as turbulators.
Features of the NEXUS
The SZD-55 is equipped with everything needed for efficient cross-country cruising: nose and CG hook, automatic rudder connections, highly effective airbrakes, retractable landing gear with large main wheel for good ground clearance. The water ballast of max. 115 kg is sensibly balanced by the rear tank of max. 9.6 kg. The cockpit is spacious and has a load capacity of 60-110 kg. The rudder pedals can be adjusted during flight and the backrest can be adjusted in both position and angle. The backrest can be removed for taller pilots.
SZD 55-2 NEXUS-e-motion – Optimised in Form and Function
- Front electric sustainer Allstar-e-motion
- Enlarged and more effective ailerons with optimised aileron linkage, for less friction
- Newly designed curved wingtips for even more stable behaviour in slow flight and better wingtip ground clearance
- High-mounted multi-probe at the tail with standard connection for precise pressure readings in gliding and powered flight
- Redesigned high-quality interior with improved storage options
- Durable acrylic paint finish of the highest quality
- Articulated instrument panel (in preparation)
- High-performance disc brake (in preparation)
Allstar-e-motion is the New Electric Drive for Gliders
Allstar PZL Glider develops electric propulsion systems for gliders under the brand name Allstar-e-motion. The SZD-55-2 NEXUS-e-motion comes with this front electric sustainer as standard equipment. An upgrade for the existing SZD-55-1 NEXUS glider models is in the planning stages.
The Electric Motor
The electric motor is mounted together with the folding propeller in the glider’s nose. This concept, which has proven itself many times over, is particularly suitable for sustainers and convinces by its simplicity and efficiency. The air-cooled EMRAX 188 engine with 18 kW peak power has been specially adapted for the Allstar e-motion system and sets standards in terms of smooth running, efficiency and power-to-weight ratio. This makes it the ideal motor for gliders with electric propulsion.
The Propeller
The direct-drive folding propeller has a diameter of 110 cm and is optimised for cruising. With a maximum speed of 3500rpm, it is efficient and yet powerful, even when climbing (approx. 2.0m/s). During gliding, the folded propeller blades are aerodynamically aligned with the fuselage contour of the glider, which minimises the drag when the engine is stationary. The parking position is reached fully automatic and directly at the end of the propeller deceleration. After switching on the engine, the propeller unfolds automatically due to centrifugal forces.
The Batteries
The electrical energy for the propulsion system is provided by two separate, rechargeable battery modules. They are situated in a battery compartment in the fuselage behind the aircraft's centre of gravity and compensate for the weight of the engine. The two independent battery packs weigh just under 19 kg each. They can be removed through a hatch in the fuselage for the purpose of charging and maintenance. The system voltage of 60 V makes the Nexus-e-motion safe and simplifies handling and maintenance. A total of 5.5 kWh of energy (delivery status) is available. This gives the Nexus a range of approx. 130 kilometres. Each battery pack has its own battery management system.
The System and Control Unit
The motor controller is based on modern, field-oriented sine wave control. The two independent pairs of controller and battery offer a redundant mode of operation. Furthermore, they increase the safety with an integrated protective circuit. A newly developed control and display unit for the system shows an overview of all key information to the pilot. This unit monitors the system and ensures safe operations. A CAN Bus connection establishes communication with the system’s other components like battery and motor controller.
SZD-55-2 NEXUS-e-motion is the Ideal Complete Package for Relaxed Performance Flying
The electric drive system extends the SZD-55 NEXUS's highly praised flight characteristics. The upgrade to Allstar-e-motion makes the performance aircraft even more attractive. The retrofit can be carried out by local CAMOs. They are trained and authorised by Allstar PZL Glider and supplied with the kits for retrofitting. In any case, it is a worthwhile investment that gives the pilot new, unfamiliar freedoms as well as maximum additional safety when flying.
| Span | 15,00 | m |
| Length | 6,84 | m |
| Height | 1,47 | m |
| Wing aera | 9,60 | m² |
| Aspect ratio | 23,44 | |
| Emty glider mass | 300 | kg |
| Max. take off mass without water ballast |
410 | kg |
| Max. take off mass with water ballast |
475 | kg |
| Wing loading range | 37,5-49,5 | kg/m² |
| Load factors | +5,30 -2,65 |
g g |
| Maximum L/D (alculated) at |
42,7 116 |
km/h |
| Minimum sinking (calculated) at (MTOW 355 kg) |
0,62 86 |
m/s km/h |
| Never exceed speed |
255 |
km/h |
| Manoevering speed | 195 | km/h |
| Stalling speed (calculated, MTOW 355 kg) |
72 | km/h |
| Maximum range | ~ 130 | km |
| Altitude gain | 1800 | m |
| Motor power | 18 | kW |
| System voltage | 60 | V |
| Max. rotational speed | 3500 | rpm |
| Climb rate | ~ 2 | m/s |
| Usable capacity | 5,5 | kWh |
News
AERO 2024 - Stefan Langer about the SZD-55-2 Nexus-e-motion
Events | 28. May 2024
„I always like to see electric gliders and how they fly.“ Stefan Langer talks about the electric propulsion system at the Allstar PZL Glider Stand AERO 2024 Friedrichshafen with Felix Pfannes.
Watch the entire gliding expo report on YouTube
