Laister-Kauffman TG-4A 'Yankee Doodle' Glider
HISTORY
- The TG-4A was a military version of the Laister- Kaufmann Aircraft Company's LK-10 "Yankee Doodle" two-seat sport glider. The St. Louis-based manufacturer developed the aircraft in response to a USAAF requirement to train assault glider pilots.
- Three evaluation aircraft, designated XTG-4, were delivered beginning in December 1941. The first production aircraft was completed in July 1942, and the last of 150 production aircraft was delivered in June 1943. The primary difference between the military and civilian versions was the installation of a military radio to allow communications with the towing aircraft. The aircraft was equipped with spoilers (to increase the descent rate), as well as standard ailerons.
- TG-4As were used primarily to train pilots to fly the Waco CG-4A cargo glider. Unfortunately, the aircraft had very different flying qualities. Whereas the TG-4A could maintain (or even, under the right circumstances, gain) altitude, a fully loaded CG-4A could only descend, with very limited control. Student glider pilots usually received only six hours of dual instruction in the TG-4A before flying the larger CG-4A.
- Incidentally, Laister-Kauffman also produced the CG-4A, under license from Waco.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Status: Static Display |
| Manufacturer: Laister-Kauffman Corporation |
| Year: 1945 |
| Model: TG-4A |
Registration Number: N53612
|
| Serial Number: |
| Crew: 2 |
| Max T/O Weight: 875 lb. |
| Span: 50 ft. 0 in. |
| Length: 21 ft. 3 in. |
| Height: 4 ft. 0 in. |
| Maximum Speed: 100 mph |
| Cruise Speed: N/A |
Rate of Climb: N/A
|
| Power Plant: N/A |
| Range: N/A |
| Service Ceiling: N/A |
| Armament: None |
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