T o d d P a t t i s t wrote:
The question was what Schweitzer had in mind when the 2-33
was designed. The designers of the DC-7 designed for their
times, just like the designers of the 2-33. With decades of
hindsight, they probably could have done better, but that
comment applies to everything that's ever been built. They
were trying to build something better than the 2-22 that met
the needs of their customers. IMHO, they succeeded.


I would have to disagree. The DC-7 was state of the art when designed
and put in use - but had a relatively short life in airline service
before being replaced by the first generation of jets (707, DC-8, etc).
The 2-33 was definitely NOT state of the art in glider trainers when
designed (think Blanik, Ka-7) but the bare minimum improvement over the
truly antique 2-22 that could be flogged on the US (and Canadian)
gliding community. They didn't meet the needs of their customers -
they imposed it, and we are still paying the price.

Then they bailed out of gliders. Yeah, I know, the Germans forced them
out of business. Tell that to Cessna or Piper...

If that is your definition of success, so be it.

Check out the success of clubs/schools that have moved away from 2-33s
to glass. It might surprise you.

Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving!

Kirk