Taylorcraft Model B Trainer
Single-engine Two-seat High-wing Light Cabin Monoplane

Archive Photos ¹

1939 Taylorcraft BL-65 (N23844, s/n 1480)

Overview ²

• Role: Personal and training aircraft
• Manufacturer: Taylorcraft Aircraft
• Designed by: Clarence Gilbert Taylor
• Developed from: Taylorcraft Model A
• Variants: Taylorcraft Auster

The Taylorcraft B is a light, side-by-side two place, single engine, high wing general aviation monoplane that was built by the Taylorcraft Aviation Corporation of Alliance, Ohio. The aircraft was available as a land plane and a floatplane.

Specifications and Performance Data ³

Type

• Two-seat light cabin monoplane.

Wings

• High-wing braced monoplane.
• Wings attached to top of fuselage and braced to lower longerons by steel-tube Vee struts, which have vertical intermediate struts located at their centers.
• Wing structure consists of two wood-spars, wood-ribs, and fabric covering.

Fuselage:

• Welded steel-tube structure, covered with fabric.

Tail Unit:

• Wire-braced monoplane type.
• Welded steel-tube framework, covered with fabric.

Landing Gear:

• Split type.
• Consists of two faired side Vees hinged to the lower fuselage longerons, with bent half-axles sprung on the center-line of the underside of the fuselage by rubber shock-absorber cord.
• Welded steel-tube swivelling tail-wheel.

Power Plant:

• One 65-hp Lycoming O-145-B2, Continental A-65 or Franklin 4AC-176 four-cylinder opposed air-cooled engine.
• Fuel capacity: 12 U.S. gallons.
• Auxiliary tank (6 U.S. gallons capacity) may be installed.

Accommodation:

• Enclosed cabin, seating two side-by-side, with dual control.
• Interchangeable wheel or stick type controls.
• Door on each side of cabin.

Dimensions:

• Span: 36 ft (11 m)
• Length: 22 ft. (6.7 m)
• Height: 6 ft 8 in (2.1 m)
• Wing area: 183.5 ft² (17 m²)

Weights and Loadings (65-hp Lycoming)

• Weight empty: 670 lbs (287 kg)
• Disposable load: 480 lbs (235 kg)
• Weight loaded: 1,150 lbs (522 kg)
• Wing loading: 6.88 lbs/ft² (33.6 kg/m²)
• Power loading: 22 lbs/hp (10 kg/hp)

Performance (65-hp Lycoming):

• Maximum speed: 105 mph. (155 km/h)
• Cruising speed: 95 mph (142 km/h.)
• Landing speed: 35 mph. (46.3 km/h)
• Initial rate of climb: 450 ft/min (137 m/min)
• Absolute ceiling: 17,000 ft (3,660 m)
• Cruising range: 250 miles (400 km)

References

1. Photos, John Shupek
2. Wikepedia: Taylorcraft B.
3. Bridgman, Leonard (ed.) Jane’s All The World’s Aircraft 1945-46. London, Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd., 1946, pp 312c.