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05/31/2008. The USAAF requested a glider version of the L-4 Grasshopper and the first aircraft was converted from a J-3 L-4 (c/n 9102). Piper omitted the engine and the front fuselage was redesigned to seat an instructor and two pupils. Eventually, 250 gliders (s/n 43-3009 to 43-3258) were delivered to the USAAF under the designation TG-8. After the WW II the first aircraft was reconverted to the J-3 L-4, it appeared on the register as NC46490, subsequently, several TG-8s were converted to J-3 series aircraft. In fact, the CAA (later FAA) aircraft specifications A-691, A-692, and A-698, covering the J-3 series, stipulated that the Army TG-8 gliders were eligible for certification when converted as J-3 series airplanes.