Taylorcraft Model D

Taylorcraft Aircraft · United States · first flew 1941 · light aircraft

The Taylorcraft Model D was a development of the Taylorcraft series of high-wing light monoplanes, featuring a more powerful engine than earlier models while retaining the side-by-side two-seat layout.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	6.86 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

High-wing side-by-side two-seat light monoplane
Continental or Lycoming flat-four engine in a close-fitting cowling
Fabric-covered steel tube and wood construction with side-by-side seating

Typical high-wing American light monoplane with side-by-side seating, a small flat-four engine under a rounded cowling, fabric covering, and fixed tailwheel undercarriage.

Specifications

The Taylorcraft Model D has a length of 6.86 m (23 ft).
It has a wingspan of 10.97 m (36 ft).
Its maximum speed is 177 km/h (110 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

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

History

Taylorcraft Aviation produced a series of closely related high-wing monoplanes from the late 1930s, and the Model D was among the variants produced in the early 1940s. Many Taylorcraft aircraft of this period were impressed into US military service as liaison and observation aircraft (as the L-2 Grasshopper). The type represented the typical American light aircraft of its era, competing with Piper and Aeronca designs.

Variants

The Model D was one of several Taylorcraft variants; the closely related L-2 was the military liaison version used extensively during World War II.

Where you'll see it

Operated by private owners and flying clubs; military impressed examples served as the L-2 Grasshopper with the US Army.

Related aircraft

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