Frankfort Cinema

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cinema, TG-1
Type Sailplane
Manufacturer Frankfort
Designed by Stanley Corcoran

The Frankfort Cinema was a sailplane manufactured in the United States in the 1930s and 40s and which was used by the United States Army Air Corps as a training glider under the designation TG-1. It was a high-wing, strut-braced design with a fully-enclosed cabin. Originally designed as a single-seater, a two-seat version designated the Cinema II was produced soon afterwards, and this design was put forward when the Army issued a requirement for training gliders. At the same time, the company was awarded production contracts for transport gliders, the CG-1 and CG-2.

However, Frankfort was unable to deliver the required TG-1s on schedule, and when they were supplied, they failed structural testing, leading the Army to cancel not only this order, but orders for the transport aircraft as well. The TG-1 designation continued to be applied, however, to civilian Cinemas that were impressed into Army service.

[edit] Specifications (Cinema II)

General characteristics

  • Crew: One pilot
  • Capacity: 1 passenger
  • Length: 23 ft 4 in (7.10 m)
  • Wingspan: 46 ft 3 in (14.10 m)
  • Aspect ratio: 10.7
  • Empty weight: 500 lb (227 kg)
  • Gross weight: 920 lb (417 kg)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 80 mph (130 km/h)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 20
  • Rate of sink: 190 ft/min (1.0 m/s)

[edit] References

  • Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions, 405. 
  • NASM website
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