SZD-22C Mucha Standard (c/n F-642, SP-2258), participating in the International Vintage Glider and Classic Hang Glider Rally, Witków, May 2026.
The SZD-22 was the final development of the successful Mucha (Fly, order Diptera) series, designed and produced by Szybowcowy Zakład Doświadczalny (Glider Experimental Works) in Bielsko-Biała, Poland. The origins of the Mucha family dates back to the late 1940s and includes the IS-2 Mucha, which first flew in 1948, and the SZD-12 Mucha 100 from the early 1950s.
Although the new SZD-22 sailplane was developed on the basis of the earlier SZD-12 design, the project incorporated several improvements. These included enhanced aerodynamics, a shorter nose, a refined fuselage, wing and horizontal tail design, a streamlined canopy, and a new instrument panel. The initial design of the glider was created by Władysław Nowakowski, while the Mucha Standard was subsequently developed by a team led by Rudolf Grzywacz.
The first prototype of the SZD-22 successfully completed its maiden flight on 10 February 1958. The second prototype, which incorporated several minor modifications to the original design, followed on 6 June of the same year. Both prototypes subsequently took part in the 1958 World Gliding Championships, held in Leszno, Poland. There, Adam Witek, flying the first prototype of the SZD-22, won the World Championship title in the Standard Class. In addition, Mucha Standard took second place in the competition for the best glider in that class.
The SZD-22 was a single-seat, high-wing cantilever sailplane built primarily of wood. It was equipped with a single-track landing gear featuring a fixed, unsprung wheel, as well as nose and tail skids. The glider was also fitted with two plate-type airbrakes.
Serial production of the SZD-22 Mucha Standard lasted from 1959 to 1965. During those years, 288 examples of the sailplane were built, including the prototypes. The glider was manufactured in three main production versions, known as the SZD-22A, SZD-22B and SZD-22C. Additionally, two further prototypes, designated SZD-22D and SZD-22E, were developed. However, they were built in one example of each and neither variant was approved for serial production.
The Mucha Standard was well received by the market. It became a popular glider within Polish aero clubs and also gained recognition abroad. Depending on the source, between 90 and 116 examples of the SZD-22 were exported to countries including Australia, Finland, France, Greece, Mexico, Sweden, Turkey, the United States, and West Germany.
During the last weekend of May 2026, a well-preserved, privately owned SZD-22C Mucha Standard, built in 1961, took part in the International Vintage Glider and Classic Hang Glider Rally. The event was held at Witków airfield in Poland, where our current Photo of the Week was taken.
