page_title: Schweizer SGS 2-8
section_title: Operational history
hierarchical_section_title: Schweizer SGS 2-8 / Operational history
caption_attribution_description: English: U.S. Marine Corps Schweizer LNS-1 (Model SGS 8-2) gliders being towed over Parris Island, South Carolina (USA), in May 1942. Deutsch: Schweizer LNS-1 (Modell SGS 8-2) Segelflugzeuge des US Marine Corps werden Mai 1942 über Parris Island, South Carolina (USA), geschleppt.
context_page_description: The Schweizer SGS 2-8 is an American two-seat, mid-wing, strut-braced, training glider built by Schweizer Aircraft of Elmira, New York.
  The 2-8 was originally known simply as "The Schweizer Two-Place" when it first flew in June 1938. When World War II started, the 2-8 became a military trainer for the US Army, Navy and Marines and all existing aircraft were drafted into military service. After the war they were sold as surplus and quickly became sought after in civil soaring for their structural strength, lightness and their rugged all-metal design. The 2-8 became one of the most popular post war trainers in the United States.
context_section_description: In April 1941 the Schweizers were contacted by the US Army Air Force (USAAF). The USAAF, impressed by the Luftwaffe's use of gliders to capture the Belgian fortress of Eben-Emael during the campaign of the previous summer, had decided to commence a glider pilot training program. The USAAF was in need of training gliders and the Schweizers offered the SGS 2-8 as the ideal aircraft for the role.
  On 10 August 1941 the AAF issued a statement on the procurement of the 2-8:
  "What is probably a record in procurement was established in the case of the contract with the Schweizer Aircraft Corporation of Elmira New York. This contract, covering three two-place gliders to CAA Class 2 requirements, with certain modifications, was signed in Washington DC on June 27, 1941. The first glider under contract has its initial flight test July 2, at Big Flats Airport, Elmira, New York and is now at Wright Field." 
  In the first part of 1942 Lieutenant General William S. Knudsen of the War Production Board conducted an inspection of the Schweizer factory, still located on the second floor of the Elmira Knitting Mill. He looked at the antiquated plant and instructed the Schweizers to "get out of here". He was instrumental in the move of the 2-8 production line to a new plant built for Schweizer Aircraft by the Defense Plants Corporation at the soon-to-be completed Chemung County Airport.
  The US Navy and Marine Corps also ordered the 2-8 as a glider trainer.
  Because the 2-8 was made from aluminum and steel, which were both declared "strategic materials", a replacement design was needed. The Schweizers designed the SGS 2-12 as a  wooden version of the 2-8, incorporating some improvements, such as a lower-mounted cantilever wing to improve instructor visibility. The 2-12 succeeded the 2-8 in production and 114 were produced with the designation TG-3A.
caption: N3N Canary trainers were used to tow three LNS-1.
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