SZD-30 Pirat

The SZD‑30 Pirat is a Polish single‑seat, high‑performance glider produced by the Warsaw‑based manufacturer PZL‑Bielsko (formerly SZD) between 1966 and 1978. Developed from the successful SZD‑22 Mucha, the Pirat incorporated a longer 15‑metre wing with a modern NACA 63‑618 airfoil, producing an optimal lift‑to‑drag ratio that made it competitive in both national and international contests. Its all‑metal, semi‑monocoque fuselage combined a lightweight spruce‑balsa sandwich with a smooth fiberglass nose, while the wing featured integrated Schempp‑Hirth airbrakes and optional water ballast chambers for rise‑rate control. The cockpit was ergonomically arranged, offering a reclined position and full‑instrument panel that met Standard‑Class specifications of the era. Over 300 units were built, and the SZD‑30 quickly became the mainstay of Polish gliding clubs, introducing pilots to advanced soaring techniques such as thermal centering and ridge lift exploitation. Its dependable handling, robust construction, and competitive performance cemented its reputation, influencing later European designs and preserving the legacy of Polish sailplane engineering during the Cold‑War period. Today, restored examples of the SZD‑30 Pirat are displayed in several aviation museums across Europe, and a small community of enthusiasts continues to fly the type in historic sailplane gatherings, confirming its enduring place in the history of gliding.