# PZL Bielsko SZD-30 "Pirat"

The SZD-30 "Pirat" is a Polish single-seat sailplane designed and manufactured by Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny (SZD) in Bielsko-Biała.

## Basic Information

- **Type**: Single-seat sailplane
- **Manufacturer**: PZL Bielsko (SZD - Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny)
- **Designer**: Dipl. Eng. Roman Nawrocki
- **First flight**: 1973
- **Country of origin**: Poland

## Design Features

The SZD-30 was designed as a Club Class sailplane with the following characteristics:

- **Class**: Club/Standard Class
- **Construction**: Primarily fiberglass construction
- **Wing configuration**: Mid-wing monoplane
- **Performance level**: Intermediate/club flying

## Specifications (approximate)

- **Wingspan**: 15 meters (49.2 ft)
- **Wing area**: Approximately 11.8 m²
- **Aspect ratio**: Around 19:1
- **Empty weight**: ~220-230 kg (485-507 lbs)
- **Maximum weight**: ~350-370 kg (772-816 lbs)
- **Best glide ratio**: Approximately 36:1
- **Minimum sink rate**: Around 0.6-0.7 m/s

## Operational History

The SZD-30 was produced in relatively limited numbers and was primarily used in Polish gliding clubs. It represented an intermediate step in SZD's development of fiberglass sailplanes during the 1970s.

**Note**: Some specifications may vary as detailed documentation on this particular model is limited compared to more widely-produced SZD designs like the SZD-51 Junior or SZD-55.
