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During an aviation archeology investigation of Echeverria Field, located near Wickenburg AZ, used by the Arizona Glider Flight Academy WWII, several interesting items were discovered related to Taylorcraft aircraft. See enclosed photographs. Two data plates were found. The first was
U.S. Air Corps Type: TG-6, Serial Number: 42-58594, Order Number: W535AC-29841, Date Accepted 9-25-42The second was
Taylorcraft Aviation Corporation, Serial Number: 6033, Model: ST-100, Date Mfg: 9-15-42, A.T.C.: 11, M.A.A. Plate No. 33280.
What information can you tell me about these two data plates? The second plate does not match the AAF serial numbers. I believe that the serial number is the manufacture serial number. Can you tell me which AAF serial number this plate matched up to?
Furthermore, a large section of aircraft was discovered. I did not locate any part numbers on it, but it did have 2 inspection stamps, “HT” and “23”. Can you tell me what aircraft it goes to? I know that several aircraft were used at Echeverria Field. Possible aircraft that match the large part found include: Taylorcraft TG-6, Laister-Kauffman sailplanes or BT-13 or BT-15 tow planes.
Several other small parts were found including and access panel, wing tip lens, instrument part and small pieces of aluminum all located at a dump site near the hanger. Can you ID any of these? I can send higher resolution photos if requested to another email address.
I already know that in World War II the Army Air Forces recognized a requirement for a simplified training glider for beginning instruction of pilots who would go on to fly troop gliders in combat. The quickest solution was to modify existing civilian light aircraft designs to serve as gliders. The Piper, Aeronca, and Taylorcraft companies each modified one of their designs for Army use. The Taylorcraft offering was designated as TG-6 and was modified from the company’s L-2 Grasshopper. Modifications included a redesigned nose that replaced the engine with a seat for an instructor, slightly enlarged tail, and redesigned landing gear with a skid under the nose; wing spoilers were fitted and the fin area increased. The modifications for the prototype were done in only nine days. The Taylorcraft model number designation for this aircraft as a glider was ST-100. The ST stood for Stanton-Taylorcraft. This was in recognition of the help Charlie Stanton and the CAA engineers had provided. The U.S. Army ordered 250 of them (AAF S/N 42-58561 through 58810) with the designation TG-6 (training glider 6).Do you have any more interesting history of the TG-6?
Any information concerning these questions would be greatly appreciated.
David Trojan
U.S. Air Corps Type: TG-6, Serial Number: 42-58594, Order Number: W535AC-29841, Date Accepted 9-25-42The second was
Taylorcraft Aviation Corporation, Serial Number: 6033, Model: ST-100, Date Mfg: 9-15-42, A.T.C.: 11, M.A.A. Plate No. 33280.
What information can you tell me about these two data plates? The second plate does not match the AAF serial numbers. I believe that the serial number is the manufacture serial number. Can you tell me which AAF serial number this plate matched up to?
Furthermore, a large section of aircraft was discovered. I did not locate any part numbers on it, but it did have 2 inspection stamps, “HT” and “23”. Can you tell me what aircraft it goes to? I know that several aircraft were used at Echeverria Field. Possible aircraft that match the large part found include: Taylorcraft TG-6, Laister-Kauffman sailplanes or BT-13 or BT-15 tow planes.
Several other small parts were found including and access panel, wing tip lens, instrument part and small pieces of aluminum all located at a dump site near the hanger. Can you ID any of these? I can send higher resolution photos if requested to another email address.
I already know that in World War II the Army Air Forces recognized a requirement for a simplified training glider for beginning instruction of pilots who would go on to fly troop gliders in combat. The quickest solution was to modify existing civilian light aircraft designs to serve as gliders. The Piper, Aeronca, and Taylorcraft companies each modified one of their designs for Army use. The Taylorcraft offering was designated as TG-6 and was modified from the company’s L-2 Grasshopper. Modifications included a redesigned nose that replaced the engine with a seat for an instructor, slightly enlarged tail, and redesigned landing gear with a skid under the nose; wing spoilers were fitted and the fin area increased. The modifications for the prototype were done in only nine days. The Taylorcraft model number designation for this aircraft as a glider was ST-100. The ST stood for Stanton-Taylorcraft. This was in recognition of the help Charlie Stanton and the CAA engineers had provided. The U.S. Army ordered 250 of them (AAF S/N 42-58561 through 58810) with the designation TG-6 (training glider 6).Do you have any more interesting history of the TG-6?
Any information concerning these questions would be greatly appreciated.
David Trojan
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