Zeebruges
T.2
The Zephyr‑type T.2, produced by the Belgian firm Zeebruges, entered service in 1932 as the company’s first purpose‑built monoplane. Conceived during the interwar boom, the T.2 was designed to replace aging biplane trainers and to provide a fast, economical platform for courier and light‑transport duties. Its wooden semi‑monocoque fuselage was covered with doped linen, while the low‑wing configuration used a single 160 hp de‑rated Wright R‑975 radial engine, giving a top speed of 185 km/h and a range of 720 km. The aircraft featured dual, side‑by‑side cockpits with framed glazing, a simple split‑flap system, and fixed, spatted undercarriage that reduced drag without adding complexity. Production ran from 1932 to 1936, with 48 units delivered to civil flying schools, the Belgian Air Force, and a handful of overseas operators. The T.2’s reliability and low operating cost made it a popular trainer for pilots transitioning to more powerful monoplanes, and its straightforward construction influenced later Zeebruges designs such as the T‑4 and the post‑war T‑12. Today, a restored T.2 at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces illustrates an important step in European light‑aircraft development and reflects Zeebruges’ early contribution to modern aviation.
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