Schweizer SGS 2-33
| SGS 2-33 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Role | Training sailplane |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Schweizer Aircraft Corporation |
| Designer | Ernest Schweizer |
| First flight | 1965 |
| Status | Production completed |
| Primary user | Royal Canadian Air Cadets |
| Produced | 1967-1981 |
| Number built | 579 |
| Developed from | Schweizer 2-22 |
The Schweizer SGS 2-33 is an American two-seat, high-wing, strut-braced, training glider that was built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
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.
From its introduction until the late 1980s, the 2-33 was the main training glider used in North America.
The SGU 2-22 two seat training glider was introduced in 1945 and quickly became the most popular training glider in the USA.
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.
SGU 2-22 production was ended at serial number 258 in 1967 to commence production of the new model.
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.
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.
The 2-33 received type certificate G3EA on 10 February 1967.
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:
(a) An inspection for workmanship, materials, and conformity before any covering is applied. (All woodwork may be sealed.)
(b) A final inspection of the completed glider.
(c) Check of flight characteristics.
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