PS.10705 SZD-19-2A-ZEFIR

This is a single seater, high performance glider of an open class, built in the high wing configuration of the wooden construction with some parts made of glass-fibre. The design of the "Zefir" (zepher) - which would have replaced the SZD-8 Jaskółka for the World Glider Championships in 1958, was led from 1957 by engineer Bogumił Szuba. It was a first in the world glider technique construction, being equipped with hydraulically powered flaps, which flew for the first time in December 1958 (therefore missing the championships)

The glider was difficult to fly, too complex in service and hydraulic installation retarded the flaps activation.

Because of experience gained during test flights, the whole fuselage and stabilisers were reconstructed and the all-metal wing with hydraulic flap activation being replaced by a simple and trouble-free wooden wing.

There soon followed two prototypes named the "Zefir 2", which were flown in March 1960. Soon after this, the Polish pilots scored the first victories, at the World Championships in Köln, Germany, placing second (Edward Makula) and third (Jerzy Popiel). As a result of this, the next version marked "Zefir 2A" appeared with the new stabilisers and landing gear.

It was flown in January 1962 and up until 1964, twenty gliders were produced - mostly for export.

During the 1963 World Championships in Argentina - Edward Makula and Jerzy Popiel flying the "Zefir 2A", came first and second. The "Zefir 2A" gliders had very good flight characteristics. Several records were established - among many, the open flight record on the 714 km distance and the 102 km/h speed record flight, over a 100 km triangle route.

After the modification in 1965 of the breaking parachute system, the glider's marking was changed to the "Zefir 2B".