Frankfort Cinema

Cinema, TG-1
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

Performance

References