Schweitzer
TG-3A
#
Previous U.S. MILITARY Next

Photo: Robert Deering 10/18/2012
National Museum of the USAF
Wright-Patterson AFB (FFO)
Dayton, Ohio
The TG-3A is a two-place, dual-control glider manufactured for the U.S. Army Air Forces by the Schweizer Aircraft Co. during World War II. In 1942 the USAAF evaluated a prototype derived from the Schweizer SGS 2-12 high-performance sailplane. After testing three XTG-3s, the AAF ordered 110 TG-3As from Schweizer (50 more were ordered from Air Glider but only one was built). Student glider pilots normally received about six hours dual instruction in the TG-3As before being trained in the large CG-4A cargo glider.

The TG-3As wings are made of spruce and mahogany plywood covered with fabric. It is equipped with spoilers (used to increase descent rate) as well as ailerons. The fuselage is constructed of welded chrome-molybdenum steel tubing which is also fabric covered. The landing gear is a single unsprung wheel with a disc brake. In addition, there are skids on the nose, tail and wing tips.
SPECIFICATIONS:  
   
Manufacturer: Schweizer Company
Type: Sailplane glider
Crew: Pilot and instructor
Dememsions: Span: 54 ft.
Length: 27 ft. 7 in.
Height: 8 ft.
Weight: 1,200 lbs. loaded
Performance: Maximum speed: 100 mph towed or free
Stall speed: 38 mph
Glide ratio: 20 to 1

SOURCE: National Museum of the United States Air Force