Slingsby Kestrel

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, the Kestrel was produced in several variants culminating in the T.59H of 22 m wing span. The type was successful when used in gliding competitions and was the first glider to complete a 1000 km pre-declared task.

Notable competition use

 * 1970 World Championships - Fourth place, pilot; George Burton.
 * 1972 British National Championships - First place, pilot; John Delafield.
 * 1972 World Championships - Eight Kestrels entered, highest competitors placed fourth (Nick Goodhart) and sixth (Burton).
 * 1975 British National Championships - First place, pilot; George Lee. Eight of the top ten places were taken by Kestrel pilots.

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 in lee wave this was the first time that this pre-declared distance task had been completed.

Variants

 * T.59 Kestrel 17
 * Initial licensed production version of Glasflügel 401, first flown in 1970, five built.


 * T.59B
 * Experimental 19 m wing span version, one built.


 * T.59C Kestrel 19
 * Prototype with carbon fibre wing spar, first flown in May 1971. One aircraft built.


 * T.59D/E Kestrel 19
 * Production Kestrel 19, T.59D was a designation given by the British Gliding Association, T.59E was the designation given to the same type by the Civil Aviation Authority. Over 90 aircraft built.


 * T.59G Kestrel 22
 * Wing root extensions fitted to increase span to 22 m, tailplane area enlarged by 25%. One aircraft modified in Australia.


 * T.59H Kestrel 22
 * Re-designed four-piece wing. Two aircraft built.

Aircraft on display

 * US Southwest Soaring Museum