TAYLORCRAFT BC-12D

During World War II the Taylorcraft company built gliders and the L-2 observation aircraft for the Army Air Force. As the war drew to a close Taylorcraft turned back to the civil market with the BC-12D. The BC-12D competed with the Piper Cub and other small aircraft in the 65 horsepower class. The Taylorcraft tended to be faster than its competitors with speeds as much as finteen or twenty miles an hour faster. however like all the light aircraft in this class it suffers from a small, cramped cabin. The BC-12D was introduced in 1945. By 1946 over 4,000 had been built. Unfortunately, the market for light aircraft crashed late in 1946 and the company was forced into bankruptcy.

Specifications

Wingspan: 36 ft
Length: 21ft 10 in
Height: 8 ft
Weight: 1,200 lbs (loaded)
Max. Speed: 105 mph
Service Ceiling: 14,500 ft
Range: 375 miles
Engines: Continental O-170-3 four cylinder, 65 horsepower
Crew: 2