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Thurston TSC-1A Teal Protoype 1968
Photo: © Howard Levy
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Model TSC-1 T-boat
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The Model TSC-1 T-boat was a projected flying boat-only
version of the original TSC-1A amphibian. On the T-boat, landing
gear was removed to save weight and to increase performance.
The T-boat would also have folding wings. This model was abandoned,
in favor for the more popular Model TSC-1A Teal amphibian.
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Model TSC-1A Teal
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The Model TSC-1A was the first Teal version to be
built. The TSC-1A had a retractable landing gear of 'conventional'
(tail-dragger) configuration. The folding wings were abandoned.
The prototype TSC-1A, N1968T (s/n 1) made her first flight in June
1968. On the first flights, N1968T had no dorsal fin and had inclined
cockpit windows. During the development flight testing, a dorsal
fin was added to improve longitudinal stability. Further, inclined
window frames were replaced by straight window frames for the production
models. The Model TSC-1A had a single 24.5 US Gal hull
tank. Originally the Model TSC-1A had an approved gross
weight limit of 1850 lbs for both land and water operations. The
Model TSC-1A was approved under FAA Aircraft Type Certificate (ATC) No:
A15AE, on 28 August 1969. An increased gross weight of 1900
lbs was approved on 9 December 1969. Fifteen Model TSC-1A Teals were
built by Thurston Aircraft Corporation, Sanford, Maine, USA; s/n 1 thru s/n
15.
Specifications
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Model
TSC-1A1 Teal
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The Model TSC-1A1 Teal Amphibian was developed to
provide extended range and increased useful load, compared to the Model
TSC-1A. This was done by adding 23 US gal fuel tanks to each wing
leading edge between wing stations 36 - 72, replacing the single 24.5 US
gal hull fuel tank of Model TSC-1A. The hull fuel tank remained
available as a three-tank long range option, giving a total fuel capacity
of 70.5 US gal. The wing fuel tanks were located forward of the
center of gravity. Increased useful load capability was provided
by reviewing the airframe structure to permit a gross weight of maximum
2200 lbs for land operations and 2100 lbs for water operations.
Another improvement to Model TSC-1A1 was independent retraction of tail
wheel, and could be retrofitted to earlier Model TSC-1A Teals. The
prototype TSC-1A, N1968T (s/n 1), was converted to prototype Model
TSC-1A1 for FAA Type Approval. Model TSC-1A1 was approved under
ATC # A15EA on 23 September 1971. The first production Model
TSC-1A1 was s/n 16. Production included s/n 16 thru 21 and s/n
23. Thurston Aircraft Corp. built s/n 16 thru 19, while s/n 20, 21
and 23 were built by Schweizer Aircraft Corp., Elmira, NY, USA, after
they acquired the manufacturing rights from Thurston Aircraft Corp. Several early production Model TSC-1As were
later converted to Model
TSC-1A1 by installing wing fuel tanks and structural reinforcements for
increased gross weight. Conversions include: s/n 1, 6, 8, 10, 14 and 15.
Specifications
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Model
TSC-1A1/EW Teal
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The Model TSC-1A1/EW is a conversion of Model TSC-1A1 Teal to introduce extensions to wings and tailplane.
Wing span has been increased by 4 ft, to 34 ft 11 in giving a wing area
of 177 sq ft. Tailplane span has been increased by 2 ft, to 10 ft.
Basic empty weight is 1435 lbs. Gross weight land: 2200 lbs.
Gross weight water: 2200 lbs. The TSC-1A1/EW conversion was originally developed by Dave Thurston for Thomas
Martindale in the late 1980ies. Two conversions have been built; s/n 1
(N1968S) and s/n 15 (G-TEAL). The extended wings conversion is being installed on
s/n 3, currently under assembly by Lake
Central Air Services in Canada.
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Model
TSC-1A1/EW/EP Teal
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The Model TSC-1A1/EW/EP is a proposed conversion of Model TSC-1A1 Teal to introduce extensions to wings and
tailplane, and the installation of a more powerful engine.
Wing span has been increased by 4 ft, to 34 ft 11 in giving a wing area
of 177 sq ft. Tailplane span has been increased by 2 ft, to 10 ft.
Basic empty weight is 1435 lbs. Gross weight land: 2300 lbs.
Gross weight water: 2200 lbs. Engine:160 hp Lycoming O-320-B3B.
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Model TSC-1A2
Teal II / Marlin 150
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The Model TSC-1A2 Teal II was developed from Model
TSC-1A1 through addition of slotted wing flaps and from
aerodynamic refinement realized by increasing the stabilizer negative
incidence from -3° to - 5°. An increase in elevator tab travel
was the only other aerodynamic change introduced. The application
of slotted flaps with a maximum deflection of 15°, reduced stalling
speed, allowing a gross weight of 2200 lbs for both land and
water. Take off and landing distances were reduced, compared to
Model TSC-1A1. The Model TSC-1A2 was approved under ATC # A15EA on
28 June 1973. Model TSC-1A2 was approved for IFR in non-icing
conditions. Prototype TSC-1A2 was N2017T, s/n 22.
Production: s/n 22, 24 thru 38. Model TSC-1A2 s/n 22 and 24 thru
31 were manufactured by Schweizer Aircraft Corporation, Elmira,
NY. The last 7 were built by Teal Aircraft Corporation, of St.
Augustine, Florida. Teal Aircraft Corporation was marketing the
Model TSC-1A2 under the name "Marlin 150".
Specifications
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Model TSC-1A2/EP
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The Model TSC-1A2/EP is a proposed conversion of Model
TSC-1A2 Teal to introduce a 160 hp Lycoming O-320-B3B engine replacing
the original 150 hp O-320-A3B engine.
Basic empty weight is 1435 lbs. Gross weight land is increased to
2300 lbs. Gross weight water: 2200 lbs.
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Model TSC-1A3
Teal III / Marlin 180
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The Model TSC-1A3 was a projected 180 hp version of
Model TSC-1A2, to be developed by Teal Aircraft Corporation and was
marketed under the name "Marlin 180" in 1977-78. Aerodynamic changes were to include refinement and structural changes
of engine pylon and cowlings. Basic empty weight 1450 lbs. Gross weight would be increased to
2300 lbs for both land and water. The Model TSC-1A3 was never put into
production.
Teal s/n 22 (Model TSC-1A2 prototype) was converted to 180 hp by Thomas Martindale, in Canada.
(See below).
Specifications
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Model
TSC-1A3/EW Teal
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The Model TSC-1A3/EW is a proposed Teal conversion to introduce
a 180 hp engine and extensions to wings and tailplane.
Wing span has been increased by 4 ft, to 34 ft 11 in giving a wing area
of 177 sq ft. Tailplane span has been increased by 2 ft, to 10 ft.
The TSC-1A3/EW conversion does not have flaps. Gross
weight land: 2300 lbs. Gross weight water: 2300 lbs.
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Model
TSC-1A3/EWF Teal
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The Model TSC-1A3/EW is a proposed Teal conversion to introduce
a 180 hp engine and extensions to wings and tailplane.
Wing span has been increased by 4 ft, to 34 ft 11 in giving a wing area
of 177 sq ft. Tailplane span has been increased by 2 ft, to 10 ft.
The TSC-1A3/EWF conversion will have flaps. Gross weight land: 2300 lbs.
Gross weight water: 2300 lbs.
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Model TSC-1A2T
Teal II / Model TSC-1A3T Teal III
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During the early 1983/84, prospects were made for
forming a new company, Advanced Aircraft, Inc., to develop a tri-cycle
landing gear Model TSC-1A2T conversion of existing Model TSC-1A2
aircraft. Modifications would include relocation of main landing
gear, removal of tail wheel, installation of nose wheel, rework of the
hull structure in the bow and former main gear area, revising the rudder,
simplifying the flap control system and installation of redesigned cabin
doors. A 160/180 hp conversion, designated Model TSC-1A3T,
with redesigned engine pylon and cowling was also planned. Due to
the cold climate for developing new personal aircraft at the time, the
forming of Advanced Aircraft, Inc. was never realized. Later
in the 1980ies, International Aeromarine Corporation was formed in
Canada to continue the process. Teal s/n 22 was partly converted
to Model TSC-1A3T configuration, before the venture folded in the
1990ies. This airframe was later obtained from the bank by a
person planning to finish the conversion under Experimental Category in
Canada. 2005 s/n 22 was purchased by Mr. Stephen Albers.
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Model TSC-1A4 Teal IV
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The Model TSC-1A4 was a full four-place stretched
version of Teal III Marlin with a gross weight of 2700 lbs considered by
Teal Aircraft Corporation in 1977. It was to have been powered
by a 210 hp turbocharged Lycoming engine and stretching would have been
accomplished by the addition of a 19 inch section to the fuselage,
wingspan increased by 4 feet, tailplane span increased by 2 feet.
Also featured would be a fully retractable tri-cycle undercarriage
compared with the original gear which comprised 'swing-up' main gear and
retractable tail wheel/water rudder on an original Teal. The Teal IV
never came beyond sketching stage.
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Teal
Specifications Summary
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