Schweizer SGS 2-33
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| Manufacturer | Schweizer Aircraft Corporation |
| Type designation | SGS 2-33 |
| Competition class | Open |
| Designer | Ernest Schweizer[1] |
| First flight | 1965[2][1] |
| Number built | 579[1] |
| Crew | 2 in tandem |
| Length | 25 ft 9 in (7.9 m)[3] |
| Height | 9 ft 3.5 in at the tail with the nose down (2.9 m) |
| Wingspan | 51 ft. (15.54 m)[1] |
| Wing area | 219 sq. ft. (20.39 m²)[1] |
| Aspect ratio | 18[1] |
| Wing profile | NACA 63(3)-618[2] |
| Empty mass | 600 lb. (272 kg) |
| Water ballast | None |
| Maximum mass | 1040 lb. (472 kg) |
| Maximum speed | 98 MPH |
| Maneuver speed | 65 MPH |
| Stall speed | 38 MPH (dual), 34 MPH (solo) |
| Minimum sink rate | 2.8 fps at 40 MPH |
| Best glide ratio | 22.25 at 52 MPH (dual, 45 MPH (solo)[4] |
The Schweizer SGS 2-33 is a United States two-seat, high-wing, strut-braced, training glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.[1][2][5]
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][5]
From its introduction until the late 1980s, the 2-33 was the main training glider in North America.[1][2][5]
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[edit] Background
The SGU 2-22 two seat training glider was introduced in 1945 and quickly became the most popular training glider in the USA.[6]
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.[5]
SGU 2-22 production was ended at serial number 258 in 1967 to commence production of the new model.[5]
[edit] Development
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][4]
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.[5]
The 2-33 received type certificate G3EA on 10 February 1967.[7]
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:[7]
| “ | 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.) |
” |
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.[7][8]
[edit] Construction
The 2-33 was designed to be rugged, easy to maintain and with a high degree of crashworthiness.[1][2][4][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 tail surfaces are made from welded steel tube covered in aircraft fabric.[1][2][4]
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. The 2-33 has a four-position bungee trim system.[1][2][4]
[edit] Variants
- SGS 2-33
- SGS 2-33A
- The "A" model incorporated some minor changes, including a larger rudder. It was certified on 7 March 1968.[1][2][7]
- SGS 2-33AK
- The "AK" model was an "A" model completed by the buyer from a kit. It was certified on 19 April 1973.[1][2][7]
[edit] Military Service
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 Two training glider made by Laister-Kauffman and used by the United States Army Air Forces from 1941 to 1947. The Laister-Kauffman LK-10B also bore the designation TG-4A, but from an earlier USAAF designation system.[11][12]
[edit] In service
In May 2008 there were still 358 SGS 2-33s registered in the USA. These included:[13]
- 65 SGS 2-33
- 291 SGS 2-33A
- 2 SGS 2-33AK
There were 89 2-33s registered in Canada in May 2008, including:[14]
- 19 SGS 2-33
- 70 SGS 2-33A
[edit] Museums
There is a 2-33A in the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, but none in the collection of the National Soaring Museum.[15].
[edit] Operators
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Activate Media (2006). SGS 2-33 Schweizer. Retrieved on 2008-05-31.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 32. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
- ^ Regional Gliding School (Pacific) (2005). "Pre-Course Information Package for Glider Candidates" (PDF). Retrieved on 2007-01-01.
- ^ a b c d e Schweizer Aircraft: The Schweizer 2-33 Super Club Sailplane, pages 1-4. Schweizer Aircraft undated
- ^ a b c d e f g Schweizer, Paul A: Wings Like Eagles, The Story of Soaring in the United States, pages 227-327. Smithsonian Institution Press, 1988. ISBN 0-87474-828-3
- ^ Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 28. Soaring Society of America, November 1983. USPS 499-920
- ^ a b c d e f Federal Aviation Administration (September 2007). GLIDER DATA SHEET NO. G2EA. Retrieved on 2008-05-31.
- ^ K & L Soaring (undated). K & L Soaring, LLC. Retrieved on 2008-04-05.
- ^ United States Air Force Academy (May 2008). TG-4A. Retrieved on 2008-05-31.
- ^ TG-4 Sailplane. Global Security.org. Retrieved on 2007-02-28.
- ^ Activate Media (2006). LK-10A Laister-Kauffmann. Retrieved on 2008-05-31.
- ^ Andrade, John: U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909, Page 169 and 170, Midland Counties Publications, 1979, ISBN 0 904597 22 9
- ^ Federal Aviation Administration (May 2008). FAA Registry. Retrieved on 2008-05-31.
- ^ a b Transport Canada (May 2008). Canadian Civil Aircraft Register. Retrieved on 2008-05-31.
- ^ Munson, J. (undated). Sailplanes in Our Collection. Retrieved on 2008-05-19.
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