The Slingsby T.59 Kestrel is a British Open class glider which first flew in August 1970. Of fibreglass construction, it features camber-changing flaps, airbrakes, and a retractable main wheel.
Originally a licensed-built version of the Glasflügel 401,[1] the Kestrel was produced in several variants culminating in the T.59H of 22 metres (72.2 ft) wing span. The type was successful when used in gliding competitions and was the first glider to complete a 1,000 km (621 mi) pre-declared task.
Notable competition use
1970 World Championships - Fourth place, pilot; George Burton.[2]
1972 British National Championships - First place, pilot; John Delafield.[2]
1972 World Championships - Eight Kestrels entered, highest competitors placed fourth (Nick Goodhart) and sixth (Burton).[2]
1975 British National Championships - First place, pilot; George Lee. Eight of the top ten places were taken by Kestrel pilots.[2]
World record use
The 1,000 km out and return pre-declared task world distance record was broken in September 1972 by New Zealander, Dick Georgeson. Covering a distance of 1,001.94 km (622.58 mi) in lee wave this was the first time that this pre-declared distance task had been completed.[2]
Variants
T.59 Kestrel 17
Initial licensed production version of Glasflügel 401, first flown in 1970, five built.[3]
T.59B
Experimental 19 m (62.3 ft) wing span version, one built.
