The fourth glider in the GAL.56 research series was built as the GAL.61. The GAL.61 placed the pilot in a blister on the pot side whilst the observer was in a prone position on the starboard side with a window in the wing leading edge.
The glider was of all wooden construction. No fins or rudders were fitted, directional control being by drag rudders in the wingtips. The wing was symmetrical with cusped trailing edge. Split trailing edge flaps of 20% chord were hydraulically operated.
The undercarriage was hydraulically operated retractable tricycle.
Wingspan: 15.84 m / 51 ft 11.5 in
Overall length: 7.53 m / 24 ft 8.3 in
Aspect ratio: 5.94
Wing area: 41.8 sq.m / 450 sq.ft
Empty weight: 1972 kg / 4348 lb
AUW: 2350 kg / 5174 lb
Mean sweepback: 35 degrees
Max speed: 322 kph / 200 mph
Towing speed: 242 kph / 150 mph
All Aero 