Great Lakes Sport Trainer
Great Lakes Aircraft · United States · first flew 1929 · light aircraft
The Great Lakes Sport Trainer (Model 2T-1) is a classic American aerobatic biplane designed in 1929 and still regarded as one of the finest sport biplanes ever built. Its lively handling and aerobatic capability made it a favourite among enthusiasts.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Short compact fuselage designed for snap rolls and spins |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Classic 1930s American aerobatic biplane with staggered wings
- Open tandem cockpits with N-strut interplane bracing
- Short compact fuselage designed for snap rolls and spins
Compact equal-span biplane with distinctive N-struts, tandem open cockpits, and a very short nose; the tight proportions and positive stagger give it an immediately recognisable silhouette among 1930s biplanes.
Specifications
- The Great Lakes Sport Trainer has a length of 6.2 m (20 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.13 m (27 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 193 km/h (120 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Great Lakes Aircraft Company introduced the 2T-1 in 1929, powered by a range of Cirrus and American Cirrus engines. The original company ceased production during the Depression, but the design was revived in the 1970s and again manufactured in small numbers for the sport aviation market. It remains a sought-after aircraft for aerobatic competition and airshow display.
Variants
The original 2T-1 and 2T-1A used various engines; the 1970s revival produced the 2T-1A-2 with a Lycoming engine offering improved performance.
Where you'll see it
Never adopted for military service, the Great Lakes Sport Trainer has served generations of private pilots and aerobatic competitors since 1929.
Related aircraft
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