1941 Laister-Kauffman TG-2 Military Training Glider – U.S. Army Air Corps Test at Dayton, Ohio

This original September 30, 1941 press photograph shows the sleek, two-place Laister-Kauffman TG-2 glider on the tarmac during U.S. Army Air Corps testing at Dayton, Ohio. Designed for the military training program, the TG-2 featured a 52-foot wingspan and a 26-foot fuselage length, with a gross weight of approximately 600 pounds.

This example is pictured fully equipped with standard glider flight instrumentation, including an airspeed indicator, altimeter, turn-and-bank indicator, and compass — all essential for teaching Army pilots the fundamentals of powerless flight before transitioning to large troop-carrying assault gliders. A ground crewman is seen holding one wingtip prior to launch or positioning.

The TG-2, built by Laister-Kauffman, was part of the early WWII-era American military glider initiative, intended to prepare pilots for the U.S. assault glider program that would soon be used in overseas operations.

• Date: September 30, 1941

• Location: Dayton, Ohio

• Aircraft: Laister-Kauffman TG-2 (U.S. Army Air Corps)

• Photographer/Source: ACME Newspictures / NEA press

• Dimensions: Approx. 8" x 10"

• Condition: Very good; minimal edge wear; excellent detail; full original press caption on reverse.

• Provenance: Vintage press photo archive.