SGS 2-33 | |
---|---|
Role | Training sailplane |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Schweizer Aircraft Corporation |
Designer | Ernest Schweizer [1] |
First flight | 1965 [1] [2] |
Status | Production completed |
Primary user | Royal Canadian Air Cadets |
Produced | 1967-1981 |
Number built | 579 [1] |
Developed from | Schweizer 2-22 |
The Schweizer SGS 2-33 is an American two-seat, high-wing, strut-braced, training glider that was built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York. [1] [2] [3]
The 2-33 was designed to replace the Schweizer 2-22, from which it was derived. The aircraft first flew in 1965 and production was started in 1967. Production was completed in 1981. [1] [2] [3]
From its introduction until the late 1980s, the 2-33 was the main training glider used in North America. [1] [2] [3]
The SGU 2-22 two-seat training glider was introduced in 1945 and quickly became the most popular training glider in the USA. [4]
By the early 1960s it became obvious to Schweizer Aircraft that a replacement for the 2-22 was needed. At that time the single seat Schweizer SGS 1-26 was becoming very popular for one-design competition flying. The company realized that the new trainer should have similar performance to the 1-26, in order to be used as the 1-26's two seat transition trainer. [3]
SGU 2-22 production was ended at serial number 258 in 1967 to commence production of the new model. [3]
The SGS 2-33, indicating Schweizer Glider, Sailplane, 2 Seats, Model 33, was designed by Ernest Schweizer. The aircraft was a derivative of the 2-22, which in turn was based on the SGU 1-7 single place glider of 1937. The 2-33 retained the 2-22 and 1-7's metal wing, single spar and single strut arrangement. [1] [2] [5]
The 2-33 was manufactured in three variants and remained in production for 14 years. Production was only curtailed when demand dropped off due to the import of higher-performance two-place sailplanes from Europe. [3]
The 2-33 received type certificate G3EA on 10 February 1967. [6]
A number of 2-33s were delivered as kits to the purchaser and designated as SGS 2-33AK. These were accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration as certified aircraft and not amateur-builts, subject to conditions: [6]
Each Model SGS 2-33A glider assembled from a kit is designated Model SGS-2-33AK. These K models will be eligible for an airworthiness certificate when accompanied by an affidavit certifying that the glider is constructed in exact accordance with the approved drawings and manual, and that the parts and materials furnished by the manufacturer in the kit have been used; and further when the following inspections have been satisfactorily passed:
(a) An inspection for workmanship, materials, and conformity before any covering is applied. (All woodwork may be sealed.)
(b) A final inspection of the completed glider.(c) Check of flight characteristics.
The 2-33 type certificate is currently held by K & L Soaring of Cayuta, New York who now provide all parts and support for the Schweizer line of sailplanes. [6] [7]
The 2-33 was designed to be rugged, easy to maintain and with a high degree of crashworthiness. [1] [2] [3] [5]
The 2-33 has a welded steel tube fuselage covered in aircraft fabric. The single-spar, aluminum structure wings are tapered from mid-span and feature top and bottom balanced divebrakes. The wings are covered in aluminum stressed skin. The tailplane and elevator are made from welded steel tube covered in aircraft fabric. The vertical fin is aluminum stressed skin construction, while the rudder is fabric-covered. [1] [2] [5]
The 2-33 has a fiberglass nose cone and a one-piece molded front canopy. Access to the rear seat is via door on the right-hand side. Instruments are fitted in the front cockpit only. Most 2-33s have a four-position bungee trim system, with aircraft starting with serial number 500 equipped with a "ratchet-lock trim". [1] [2] [5] [8]
The United States Air Force Academy operated 13 2-33s as the TG-4A until they were replaced by the TG-10B (L-23 Super Blanik) in 2002. The USAFA TG-4s were all donated to other US government agencies, such as the Civil Air Patrol or to aviation museums. [1] [9] [10]
Under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system the USAF 2-33 was designated as the TG-4A. This can cause confusion with a World War II training glider made by Laister-Kauffman and used by the United States Army Air Forces from 1941 to 1947. The Laister-Kauffman LK-10A also bore the designation TG-4A, but from an earlier USAAF designation system. [11] [12]
There were 254 SGS 2-33s registered in the US as of November 2017, including: [13]
There were 93 SGS 2-33s registered in Canada as of November 2017, including: [14]
The SGS 2-33 remains popular with glider schools, the largest operator is the Air Cadet League of Canada with a fleet of 79 2-33s and 2-33As as of 2022. [17] [18]
Caesar Creek Soaring Club operates 2 2-33A's as of 2024.
There is a 2-33A on display at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. [19]
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1988-89, [20] Pre-Course Information Package for Glider Candidates [21]
General characteristics
Performance
Related lists
The Schweizer Aircraft Corporation was an American manufacturer of sailplanes, agricultural aircraft and helicopters located in Horseheads, New York. It was incorporated in 1939 by three Schweizer brothers, who built their first glider, the SGP 1-1, in 1930. Previously the oldest privately owned aircraft company in the United States, Schweizer was acquired by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of Stratford, Connecticut in 2004, and became a diversified aerospace company. Schweizer Aircraft ceased operations in 2012. It was sold to Schweizer RSG in 2018 and production lines were opened in Fort Worth, Texas. The company was producing two helicopter models in 2021. The 300C and 300CBI
The National Soaring Museum (NSM) is an aviation museum whose stated aim is to preserve the history of motorless flight. It is located on top of Harris Hill near Elmira, New York, United States.
The Schweizer SGS 1-26 is a United States One-Design, single-seat, mid-wing glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
The Schweizer SGS 1-23 is a United States Open and Standard Class, single-seat, mid-wing glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
The Schweizer SGM 2-37 is a two-place, side-by-side, fixed gear, low wing motor glider.
The Schweizer SGU 1-6 was a United States Open Class, single-seat, high-wing, pod-and-boom glider built by Schweizer Metal Aircraft Company of Elmira, New York.
The Schweizer SGU 1-7 is an American Open Class, single-seat, high-wing strut braced glider built by Schweizer Metal Aircraft Company of Elmira, New York.
The Schweizer SGS 2-8 is an American two-seat, mid-wing, strut-braced, training glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
The Schweizer SGS 2-12 is a United States two-seat, low-wing, training glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
The Schweizer SGU 1-19 and Schweizer SGU 1-20 are a family of United States single-seat, high-wing, strut-braced, utility gliders built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
The Schweizer SGS 1-21 is a United States single-seat, mid-wing, Open Class glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
The Schweizer SGU 2-22 is an American two-seat, high-wing, strut-braced, training glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
The Schweizer SGS 1-34 is a United States Standard Class, single-seat, high-wing glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
The Schweizer SGS 2-25 is a United States two-seat, mid-wing, two-place competition glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
The Schweizer SGS 2-32 is an American two-seat, mid-wing, two or three-place glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
The Schweizer SGS 1-35 is a United States 15 Meter Class, single-seat, mid-wing glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
The Schweizer SGS 1-36 Sprite is a United States, single-seat, mid-wing glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
The Laister-Kauffmann TG-4 was a sailplane produced in the United States during the Second World War for training cargo glider pilots. It was a conventional sailplane design with a fuselage of steel tube construction and wooden wings and tail, covered all over with fabric. The pilot and instructor sat in tandem under a long canopy.
The Laister LP-46 and LP-49 are a family of American high-wing, single-seat, gliders that were designed by Jack Laister and produced by Laister Sailplanes both as kit aircraft and as certified complete aircraft.
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