TG-7A Motorglider (SGM 2-37)

The TG-7A (SGM 2-37) is a conventional two-place, side-by-side, fixed gear, low wing, motorized glider. Equipped with spoilers, it is used to simulate the flight characteristics of the TG-4A. By allowing cadets in the Soar-For-All glider course to practice patterns and aerial maneuvers, the total number of sorties required to solo is reduced by half.

The TG-7A is an all metal, primarily aluminum alloy monocoque construction. Fiberglass and thermoplastic are used in the engine cowling and in some nonstructural components. The propeller is aluminum alloy, fixed pitch and designed for best climb. The instructor sits in the right seat, and the student in the left seat. With the power reduced to idle, the TG-7A flies like a TG-4A glider in soaring flight. Equipment includes basic flight instrumentation, a VOR, a transponder, and an intercom.

The TG-7A was specifically manufactured for the USAF Academy by the Schweizer Aircraft Corp. at Elmira, New York. The aircraft is assembled from several existing aircraft. The nose is taken from a Piper Tomahawk, the wings are modified from the Schweizer 1-36 (with extensions and cuffs to enhance stall characteristics). The tail was originally used in the Schweizer 2-32.