Taylorcraft Model 15
Taylorcraft · United States · first flew 1944 · light aircraft
The Taylorcraft 15 was an American general-purpose high-wing monoplane, a four-seat development of the two-seat Taylorcraft BC with a more powerful engine. It entered production as the 15A Tourist.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Strut-braced high-wing monoplane with long V-struts to the lower fuselage longeron |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Strut-braced high-wing monoplane with long V-struts to the lower fuselage longeron
- Enclosed cabin with 2+2 seating and a fixed tailwheel undercarriage
- Franklin 6-cylinder engine driving a propeller in tractor fashion
A strut-braced high-wing four-seater with flaps and fixed leading-edge slots, and a welded steel tube fuselage covered in fabric.
Specifications
- The Taylorcraft Model 15 has a length of 7.34 m (24 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.1 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 193 km/h (120 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
It was designed in 1943-44 and the prototype NX36320 first flew on 1 November 1944. The original 125 hp Lycoming O-290 proved too weak and was replaced with a 150 hp Franklin 6A4.
Variants
The Model 15 was the prototype, the 15A the production version of which 24 were built, and the Model 16 an experimental development.
Where you'll see it
A 1946 factory fire stopped production plans and the company went bankrupt. Production restarted under Ben Mauro at Conway, Pennsylvania, but fewer than 30 were built.
Related aircraft
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 8,606 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.