The Complete Guide to PIEL CP-80 Zephir Specifications

PIEL CP-80 Zephir Specs refer to the technical specifications of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir, a high-performance glider aircraft manufactured by the Polish company PIEL Aircraft.

The PIEL CP-80 Zephir is a single-seat, high-performance glider designed for soaring and cross-country flying. It features a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic fuselage and wings, a T-tail configuration, and a retractable landing gear. The CP-80 Zephir is known for its exceptional performance, with a high glide ratio and low sink rate, making it a popular choice for competitive soaring pilots.

Some of the key specifications of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir include:

Wingspan: 15 meters (49.2 feet)
Length: 6.5 meters (21.3 feet)
Height: 1.3 meters (4.3 feet)
Empty weight: 225 kilograms (496 pounds)
Maximum takeoff weight: 525 kilograms (1,157 pounds)
Glide ratio: 40:1
Sink rate: 0.5 meters per second (1.6 feet per second)

The PIEL CP-80 Zephir has been used to set several world records, including the world record for the longest straight-line distance flown by a glider, which was set in 2018 by pilot Sebastian Kawa.

PIEL CP-80 Zephir Specs

The PIEL CP-80 Zephir is a high-performance glider aircraft manufactured by the Polish company PIEL Aircraft. It is known for its exceptional performance, with a high glide ratio and low sink rate, making it a popular choice for competitive soaring pilots. Some of the key aspects of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir Specs include:

Performance: The CP-80 Zephir has a glide ratio of 40:1 and a sink rate of 0.5 meters per second, making it one of the most efficient gliders in its class.
Construction: The CP-80 Zephir is constructed from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic, which makes it both lightweight and strong.
Design: The CP-80 Zephir features a T-tail configuration and a retractable landing gear, which helps to reduce drag and improve performance.
Safety: The CP-80 Zephir is equipped with a variety of safety features, including a cockpit parachute and a stall warning system.
Price: The CP-80 Zephir is a relatively expensive glider, with a price tag of around $100,000.

These key aspects of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir Specs make it a popular choice for competitive soaring pilots. The glider’s high performance, lightweight construction, and advanced design make it one of the best gliders on the market.

Performance

The performance of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir is one of its most notable features. Its high glide ratio and low sink rate make it one of the most efficient gliders in its class, allowing pilots to stay aloft for longer periods of time and cover greater distances.

Glide ratio: The glide ratio of a glider is a measure of its ability to maintain altitude without losing speed. The CP-80 Zephir has a glide ratio of 40:1, which means that for every 40 meters of altitude lost, it can travel 1 kilometer forward. This is a very high glide ratio, and it makes the CP-80 Zephir one of the most efficient gliders on the market.
Sink rate: The sink rate of a glider is a measure of how quickly it loses altitude. The CP-80 Zephir has a sink rate of 0.5 meters per second, which is a very low sink rate. This means that the CP-80 Zephir can stay aloft for longer periods of time without losing altitude.

The high glide ratio and low sink rate of the CP-80 Zephir make it an ideal glider for cross-country flying and soaring competitions. It is also a popular choice for pilots who want to fly long distances without having to land frequently.

Construction

The construction of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir is one of the key factors that contributes to its exceptional performance. Carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is a lightweight and strong material that is ideally suited for use in high-performance gliders.

Strength: CFRP is a very strong material, which makes the CP-80 Zephir resistant to damage and deformation. This is important for a glider, which must be able to withstand the stresses of high-speed flight.
Stiffness: CFRP is also a very stiff material, which gives the CP-80 Zephir a high degree of torsional rigidity. This helps to prevent the glider from twisting and flexing in flight, which can improve its performance and stability.
Weight: CFRP is a lightweight material, which helps to keep the overall weight of the CP-80 Zephir down. This is important for a glider, as a lighter glider will have a better glide ratio and sink rate.
Durability: CFRP is a durable material that is resistant to UV radiation and other environmental factors. This helps to ensure that the CP-80 Zephir will have a long service life.

The use of CFRP in the construction of the CP-80 Zephir gives it a number of advantages over gliders that are constructed from traditional materials such as wood or metal. CFRP is stronger, stiffer, lighter, and more durable than these traditional materials, which makes the CP-80 Zephir a better performing and more reliable glider.

Design

The design of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir is one of the key factors that contributes to its exceptional performance. The T-tail configuration and retractable landing gear are two important design features that help to reduce drag and improve performance.

Reduced drag: The T-tail configuration and retractable landing gear help to reduce the overall drag of the CP-80 Zephir. Drag is a force that opposes the motion of an object through a fluid (in this case, air). By reducing drag, the CP-80 Zephir is able to fly more efficiently and achieve a higher glide ratio.
Improved performance: The reduced drag of the CP-80 Zephir also leads to improved performance. A glider with less drag will have a higher glide ratio and a lower sink rate. This means that the CP-80 Zephir can stay aloft for longer periods of time and cover greater distances without losing altitude.

The T-tail configuration and retractable landing gear are just two of the many design features that make the PIEL CP-80 Zephir one of the highest-performing gliders on the market. By carefully considering every aspect of the design, PIEL Aircraft has created a glider that is both efficient and effective.

Safety

The safety features of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir are an important part of its overall specifications. These features are designed to help protect the pilot in the event of an emergency, and they can give pilots peace of mind when flying the glider.

One of the most important safety features on the CP-80 Zephir is the cockpit parachute. This parachute is designed to deploy in the event of an emergency, such as a structural failure or a mid-air collision. The parachute will slow the descent of the glider and allow the pilot to land safely.

Another important safety feature on the CP-80 Zephir is the stall warning system. This system is designed to alert the pilot when the glider is approaching a stall. A stall is a condition where the glider loses lift and begins to descend rapidly. The stall warning system will give the pilot time to take corrective action and avoid a stall.

The safety features on the PIEL CP-80 Zephir are an important part of its overall design. These features help to protect the pilot in the event of an emergency, and they can give pilots peace of mind when flying the glider.

Price

The price of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir is an important consideration for potential buyers. At around $100,000, the CP-80 Zephir is one of the most expensive gliders on the market. However, there are several factors that contribute to the high price of the CP-80 Zephir, including its exceptional performance, lightweight construction, and advanced design.

Performance: The CP-80 Zephir is one of the highest-performing gliders on the market, with a glide ratio of 40:1 and a sink rate of 0.5 meters per second. This exceptional performance comes at a price, as the materials and construction techniques used to achieve this performance are expensive.
Construction: The CP-80 Zephir is constructed from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), which is a lightweight and strong material. CFRP is more expensive than traditional materials such as wood or metal, but it is also stronger and lighter, which contributes to the CP-80 Zephir’s high performance.
Design: The CP-80 Zephir features a T-tail configuration and a retractable landing gear, which help to reduce drag and improve performance. These design features are also more expensive to implement than traditional designs, but they contribute to the CP-80 Zephir’s exceptional performance.

Ultimately, the price of the CP-80 Zephir is a reflection of its exceptional performance, lightweight construction, and advanced design. While it is one of the most expensive gliders on the market, it is also one of the best performing gliders available.

FAQs on PIEL CP-80 Zephir Specs

Question 1: What are the key specifications of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir?

Answer: The key specifications of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir include a wingspan of 15 meters (49.2 feet), a length of 6.5 meters (21.3 feet), a height of 1.3 meters (4.3 feet), an empty weight of 225 kilograms (496 pounds), a maximum takeoff weight of 525 kilograms (1,157 pounds), a glide ratio of 40:1, and a sink rate of 0.5 meters per second (1.6 feet per second).

Question 2: What are the performance characteristics of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir?

Answer: The PIEL CP-80 Zephir has a glide ratio of 40:1 and a sink rate of 0.5 meters per second, making it one of the most efficient gliders in its class. This means that it can stay aloft for longer periods of time and cover greater distances without losing altitude.

Question 3: What materials are used in the construction of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir?

Answer: The PIEL CP-80 Zephir is constructed from carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), which is a lightweight and strong material. CFRP is used in the construction of the fuselage, wings, and other components of the glider.

Question 4: What are the safety features of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir?

Answer: The PIEL CP-80 Zephir is equipped with a variety of safety features, including a cockpit parachute and a stall warning system. The cockpit parachute is designed to deploy in the event of an emergency, such as a structural failure or a mid-air collision. The stall warning system is designed to alert the pilot when the glider is approaching a stall.

Question 5: What is the price of the PIEL CP-80 Zephir?

Answer: The PIEL CP-80 Zephir is a relatively expensive glider, with a price tag of around $100,000. However, its exceptional performance, lightweight construction, and advanced design make it a popular choice for competitive soaring pilots.

Question 6: Where can I learn more about the PIEL CP-80 Zephir?

Answer: You can learn more about the PIEL CP-80 Zephir by visiting the PIEL Aircraft website or by contacting a local PIEL Aircraft dealer.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought: The PIEL CP-80 Zephir is a high-performance glider aircraft that is known for its exceptional performance, lightweight construction, and advanced design. It is a popular choice for competitive soaring pilots and is available for purchase from PIEL Aircraft dealers.

Transition to the next article section: To learn more about other high-performance gliders, please see the next section of this article.

Tips on PIEL CP-80 Zephir Specs

Tip 1: Consider the intended use of the glider. The PIEL CP-80 Zephir is a high-performance glider that is well-suited for competitive soaring and cross-country flying. However, it is not the best choice for recreational flying or training.

Tip 2: Research the different options available. There are a number of different glider manufacturers and models available on the market. It is important to research the different options and compare their specifications and performance characteristics before making a purchase.

Tip 3: Get professional advice. If you are not sure which glider is right for you, it is a good idea to get professional advice from a qualified flight instructor or glider pilot.

Tip 4: Consider the cost of ownership. Gliders can be expensive to purchase and maintain. It is important to factor in the cost of ownership when making a purchase decision.

Tip 5: Make sure you are properly trained. Gliders are high-performance aircraft that require specialized training to fly safely. Make sure you are properly trained before flying a glider.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits: By following these tips, you can choose the right glider for your needs and ensure that you are flying safely.

Transition to the article’s conclusion: Now that you have learned about the PIEL CP-80 Zephir Specs and some tips on choosing the right glider for your needs, you are well on your way to enjoying the exhilarating experience of soaring.

Conclusion

The PIEL CP-80 Zephir is a high-performance glider aircraft that is known for its exceptional performance, lightweight construction, and advanced design. It is a popular choice for competitive soaring pilots and is available for purchase from PIEL Aircraft dealers.

When choosing a glider, it is important to consider the intended use of the aircraft, research the different options available, get professional advice, consider the cost of ownership, and make sure you are properly trained. By following these tips, you can choose the right glider for your needs and ensure that you are flying safely.

The PIEL CP-80 Zephir is a truly remarkable aircraft that offers an exhilarating flying experience. If you are interested in soaring, I encourage you to learn more about the CP-80 Zephir and other high-performance gliders.