THE HIGH Powered Aviata GM-2 Gniady glider tug, has been flown for the first time in Warsaw.
The low-wing aircraft is designed by Aviata and incorporates the wings and tail plane of the PZL-Okecie PZL-110 Koliber, a licence-built version of the Socata Rallye. The engine, propeller and cowlings are borrowed from the PZL-104 Wilga light aircraft, but the GM-2's fuselage and undercarriage are new designs.
The airframe is manufactured by YALO, a private Polish company specialising in repair and overhaul.
The combination of the Wilga's 200kW (270hp) PZL-Kalisz AI-14R radial engine with a light fuselage gives the aircraft a high power-to-weight ratio and climb rate. Aviata says that the GM-2 is capable of towing three gliders at a time, making it well suited for competition use.
Aviata adds that the AI-14R's higher fuel consumption is more than offset by the shorter flight time per launch, making the aircraft 50% cheaper to operate than comparable aircraft in service today. Aviata is also examining a possible export version of the aircraft, with a horizontally, opposed engine.
Source: Flight International
