Taylorcraft Model B

Taylorcraft Aircraft · United States · first flew 1938 · light aircraft

The Taylorcraft Model B was an American two-seat high-wing light aircraft introduced in 1938, designed for private flying and training. It became one of the classic American lightplanes of the pre-war era, known for its side-by-side seating.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Classic American side-by-side high-wing lightplane
• Fabric-covered tube-and-fabric construction
• Continental or Lycoming flat-four engine

A small high-wing monoplane with strut-braced wings, a light flat-four engine, and distinctive side-by-side seating visible through the wide windscreen. The rounded fuselage cross-section and light fabric construction are hallmarks.

Specifications

• The Taylorcraft Model B has a length of 6.71 m (22 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 10.97 m (36 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 193 km/h (120 mph).
• Typical crew: 2 side-by-side.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Developed by the Taylor Aircraft Company (later Taylorcraft), the Model B offered an affordable alternative to the Piper Cub with side-by-side rather than tandem seating. Many were impressed into military service during the Second World War as liaison and observation aircraft.

Variants

The Taylorcraft B was produced in several sub-variants including the BC (with Continental engine) and BL (with Lycoming engine); military versions were designated L-2 Grasshopper.

Where you'll see it

The Taylorcraft B served with the US Army Air Forces as the L-2 Grasshopper for artillery spotting and liaison; civil versions remain popular with collectors and private owners.

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