TG-7A
Current Aircraft |
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Historical Aircraft |
TG-7A |
(No longer in service at USAFA )
The TG-7A (SGM 2-37) is a conventional two-place, side-by-side, fixed gear, low wing, motorized glider. Equipped with spoilers, it was used at USAFA to simulate the flight characteristics of the TG-4A. By allowing cadets in the Soar-For-All glider course to practice patterns and aerial maneuvers, the total number of sorties required to solo is reduced by half.
Features
The TG-7A is an all metal, primarily aluminum alloy monocoque construction. Fiberglass and thermoplastic are used in the engine cowling and in some nonstructural components. The propeller is aluminum alloy, fixed pitch and designed for best climb. The instructor sat in the right seat, and the student in the left seat. With the power reduced to idle, the TG-7A flies like a TG-4A glider in soaring flight. Equipment includes basic flight instrumentation, a VOR, a transponder, and an intercom.
Background
The TG-7A was specifically manufactured for the USAF Academy by the Schweizer Aircraft Corp. at Elmira, New York. The aircraft was assembled from several existing aircraft. The nose was taken from a Piper Tomahawk, the wings were modified from the Schweizer 1-36 (with extensions and cuffs to enhance stall characteristics). The tail was originally used in the Schweizer 2-32. The TG-7A was replaced at USAFA as the primary motorglider trainer by the TG-14A in Fall 02. The TG-7A was last flown at USAFA in Apr 03.
General Characteristics
- Primary Function: Trainer
- Power Plant: One Lycoming Ltd. 0-235-L2C 4 cylinder engine
- Thrust: 112 horsepower
- Length: 27 feet 6 in.
- Height: 92 in.
- Wingspan: 59 feet 6 in.
- Wheel Base: 110 in.
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 1850 lbs
- Speed: 136 mph
- Ceiling: 14,000 feet
- Max Positive G Limit: 5.33
- Max Negative G Limit: 2.67
- Range: 200 nautical miles
- Armament: None
- Crew: Two (student pilot and instructor pilot)
- Date Deployed: 1984
- Inventory: 9