T-49 Capstan, a vintage glider that's been flying since 1963
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Vintage aviation continues to amaze. Arguably, it's even more impressive without the engine. This is a T49 Capstan, probably the last of the big sedate gliders of the early- to mid-20th century. Everything after it has been much sportier, much more "twitchy". But this, this thing, with its dark wood, big, long-travel controls, slow speed and gentle habits, - it's from a different age; and a very enjoyable one, at that.
Lot of instructing in the Capstan at Lasham in the ‘60s. Super comfort after weathering it in the old T21.
Fred Slingsby was my great uncle. Thank you for keeping his memory and work alive by this wonderful restoration.
That glider is absolutely stunning! I had my first glider flight in a Slingsby T21 Sedberg 'Barge' at RAF Syerston. I later flew the Slingsby Venture TMk2 to solo, again at RAF Syerston.
Beautiful video that exemplifies freedom, beautifully restored! Thanks for posting!
Blessings from Texas 🛩
Did my ab initio training on a t49 in 1967.
Solo'd on a t49 when I turned 16 in 1968.
16 was the minimum age for solo flying rhen. Now 14.
Started flying the t45 Swallow after those 3 solo flights in the t49.
Great memories of gliding in the 1960's. Still gliding today after 56 years. 55 years after 1st solo flights.
Saw this restored t49 at Challock 4 years ago. Wonderful restoration job!
John. FAI/BGA 51417.
Beautiful flight.
Such a beautiful glider...
What a cool aircraft!
Absolutely beautifull.
Beautiful bird.
Beautiful aircraft :)
Looks amazing! Well done!
That is really a beautiful restoration, great job!!
That brings back memories of both Challock and the T49. Learnt to fly with The Kent Gliding Club in 1976 (glorious summer) and remember an out and return to Rochester with John Hoye in that glider in marginal conditions during the summer. It was cream and red if I remember correctly in those days - and quite a heavy glider particularly for winch launches. I must check my logbook to find out when exactly I flew in it. 🙂
Never seen one of these before, I want one.
I flew one many years ago in Devon, loved the side by side configuration and was struck by just how Swallow like it felt to fly. My impression at the time was that the Swallow is the perfect first single seater for those who went solo on the T49. The similarity is as striking as flying the K23 after training in the K21.
Whereabouts in Devon? Cheers
Fabulous ❤❤❤! I flew in a Slingsby out of Mtn. Valley Gliderport - Tehachapi.. Just amazing to float along at 37 mph in open cockpit.!
The control inputs for roll seem very gentle and light... well done Slingsby team! (1:21)
Flown in one, beautiful
The Lakes Gliding Club used to have a Capstan. I flew it a few times with a prominent guy called Geof Baily Woods.
I got my Gold Height in one in 1975, That Capstan had the UK 2 seater height record for over 10 years , beaten since then , by a glider also flying from our4 club (38,400 feet) Chris Rollings & Bryony Hicks in a DG500, from Deeside Gliding Club, Aboyne. There is still anoher Capstan at our airfield, still soars most weeks. It had literallyspeed limiting brakes. You dive it vertically and not exceed 90 kts, with all your weight on the rudder pedals and shoulder straps . thats 9000 feet per minute, so your ears will hurt ...
Bloody Gorgeous aircraft! Wow!
Like fine wine, some things get better with age.
No idea if this is the same Capstan that I did a few of my training flights in at Kent back in the early '80s, but if it is it looks to have been marvellously restored as it looks very different and very fresh.
Beautiful restoration, especially the cockpit interior woodworking. Are all T-49s as quiet as this one? Glider side-by-side seating never caught on in the US. Wish it did.
Awesome 🙂
Used to have the prototype at Rufforth in the 70s
I used to fly the original at Lasham in the early 60's, cutting edge stuff then. It was painted blue and white then, and had a cigarette Capstan painted on the wing as I remember.
My first solo, South Marston 1975 of wire launch.
Lovely 👍🏼 ✨
Showwwwww! Bons vôos!
Can someone tell me glide ratio and aspect ratio od this beast
1km altitude/ 30km.
The Capstan is 'always landing'
Are there any of these in the USA?
Not 'vintage' though............ VGC bods have stated has to be pre 2nd WW to be considered 'vintage' - but definitely a gentleman's aerial carriage - more a 'classic'. Wonder if anyone has a copy of a film about a Capstan going on a competition cross country flight, can remember watching it in my youth.