Frankfort Cinema
| Cinema, TG-1 |
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| A Frankfort Cinema TG-1A on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Dulles, Virginia. |
| Role |
Sailplane |
| Manufacturer |
Frankfort |
| Designer |
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.
Aircraft on display
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)
References
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. pp. 405.
- NASM website
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| Assault Glider |
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| Bomb Glider |
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| Cargo Glider |
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| Fuel Glider |
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| Powered Glider |
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| Training Glider |
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| Military |
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