Stanisław Wigura facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stanisław Wigura
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Stanisław Wigura in 1932
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| Born | April 9, 1901 Warsaw, Congress Poland
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| Died | September 11, 1932 (aged 31) Těrlicko, Czechoslovakia
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| Resting place | Powązki Cemetery |
| Nationality | Polish |
| Alma mater | Warsaw University of Technology |
| Occupation | Aviator, aircraft designer |
Stanisław Wigura (born April 9, 1901 – died September 11, 1932) was a talented Polish aircraft designer and pilot. He helped start the famous RWD aircraft building team. He also taught at the Warsaw University of Technology. Stanisław Wigura is best known for winning the important Challenge 1932 air contest with his friend, pilot Franciszek Żwirko.
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Who Was Stanisław Wigura?
Stanisław Wigura was born in Warsaw, Poland. From a young age, he loved mechanics and airplanes. He was also a Boy Scout. In 1920, he joined the army during the Polish–Soviet War.
Starting His Aviation Journey
In 1921, Wigura began studying at the Warsaw University of Technology. There, he met two other future aircraft designers, Stanisław Rogalski and Jerzy Drzewiecki. They all shared a passion for aviation. Wigura helped create the Aviation Section of the Students' Mechanical Club.
In December 1925, these students opened their own workshop. They wanted to build their own airplanes. In 1926, Wigura and Rogalski designed their first light aircraft, called the WR-1. It was built in 1927.
Building Airplanes with RWD
In 1927, the three designers – Rogalski, Wigura, and Drzewiecki – teamed up. They formed the RWD team. The name RWD came from the first letters of their last names. Wigura was in charge of the first design plans and calculations.
Their first sports plane, the RWD-1, was built in 1928. In 1929, Wigura finished his studies and became an engineer. That same year, he also learned to fly at the Academic Aeroclub. The RWD team then built more successful planes. These included the RWD-2 (four built) and the larger RWD-4 (nine built). These planes were very popular in Polish sports aviation.
Flying Adventures with Franciszek Żwirko
Wigura also became an active sports pilot. He became good friends with Franciszek Żwirko, an older pilot. They often flew together, with Wigura acting as a mechanic and second pilot.
Between August and September 1929, Żwirko and Wigura flew the RWD-2 prototype across Europe. They traveled 5,000 kilometers, visiting cities like Warsaw, Paris, Barcelona, and Milan. In October, they won a Polish air race.
In July 1930, they joined the International Tourist Plane Competition (Challenge 1930). They flew an RWD-4. Sadly, they had to stop early due to engine problems in Spain. But they kept winning other races in Poland. In September 1931, they won another contest flying a new plane, the RWD-5 prototype.
Designing More Aircraft
While flying, Wigura continued to design new aircraft. He helped create the RWD-3 liaison plane in 1930. He also designed the RWD-7 record-breaking sports plane in 1931. The RWD-5 sports plane, also designed in 1931, became very famous. It was the lightest plane to ever make a transatlantic flight. About 20 of these planes were built. Wigura also started designing the RWD-8, a basic trainer plane.
Winning the Challenge 1932
In 1932, Wigura designed a modern sports plane called the RWD-6. This plane was built for the International Tourist Plane Competition (Challenge 1932). The competition took place in August 1932. Żwirko was the main pilot, and he chose Wigura as his co-pilot.
They competed against many strong teams, especially from Germany. But Żwirko's amazing piloting skills and the RWD-6's excellent performance led them to victory! They became heroes in Poland.
A Tragic End
Sadly, on September 11, 1932, Żwirko and Wigura were flying to an air show in Prague. Their RWD-6 plane crashed in a forest near Cierlicko, close to Cieszyn. A wing broke off during a severe storm, and both pilots died.
Awards and Recognition
Stanisław Wigura was honored for his achievements. He received the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. He also earned the Polish Gold Cross of Merit.
