The Schweizer SGS 2-32 is an American two-seat, mid-wing, two or three-place glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York. The 2-32 was designed to be the highest performance two-place glider available, when it first flew in 1962. The 2-32 has been used as a tourist glider, trainer, cross-country and high-altitude sailplane and has set many US and world records. A total of 87 aircraft were completed.
Design and development
The SGS 2-32 was conceived as a mass-produced sailplane of modest performance to act as a step-up from the SGU 2-22 trainer then in common use in North America. After careful examination of the potential market, the company decided to produce a higher performance sailplane with a greater wingspan instead. The 2-32 design was started in 1961 and completed with certification under type certificate G1EA on 19 June 1964. The 2-32 is all-metal, with a semi-monocoque aluminum fuselage and cantilever wings of 57 foot span. It has top-and-bottom divebrakes and an all-flying stabilator tail. The aircraft seats two or three, with one seat in the front cockpit and a double bench seat in the back suitable for two smaller people of each, maximum. The aircraft is often described a "2 seater". The ability to carry two passengers, plus its complete and comfortable interior has made the 2-32 a popular aircraft with commercial glider operators for conducting tourist flights. The ability to carry two passengers doubled profitability for rides. The first customer aircraft were delivered in 1964, shortly after certification was completed. The type certificate is currently held by K & L Soaring of Cayuta, New York. K & L Soaring now provides all parts and support for the Schweizer line of sailplanes.
Derivative designs
The SGS 2-32 has been the basis of several derivative designs, including:
As soon as it entered service many pilots realized that this high performance two-place sailplane would be ideal to break many of the two-place records previously set by lower performance gliders. At one time the 2-32 held the two-place speed records over 100 km, 300 km and 500 km courses, as well as many distance, out and return and altitude records in both the men's and women's categories. 2-32s were also flown in the 1964 US Nationals. Some of the records set by pilots flying SGS 2-32s include:
World record two-place out and return flight, 404 miles, May 23, 1970, Joe Lincoln and Cris Crowl. Lincoln's 2-32, named Cibola, had special longer wings of span installed that increased performance further.
World record two-place speed over 100 km Triangle, 74 mph, 1971, Joe Lincoln.
World record two-place feminine absolute altitude 35,463 feet and altitude gain 24,545 feet, 5 March 1975, Babs Nutt.
