the lower part of the gt-1's nose was constructed from a drop tank, with the upper part fabricated from fiberglass that was laid up using the drop tank as a mold. the landing gear is a retractable monowheel. the aircraft was initially fitted with a bubble canopy. later the fuselage was modified to allow a more reclined pilot seating position and the canopy replaced with a more streamlined one. the modifications added to the glider's empty weight and the gross weight was raised in partial compensation. the gt-1's span wing employs a naca 43012a airfoil. the initial glide ratio was 29:1, but extensive work gap-filling and contouring the aircraft raised this to 33:1.