You know that:
- The CG-4 glider had to carry not only soldiers, but also various equipment, light guns or vehicles.
- Its simple wooden construction allowed for quick and easy production - over 13,900 units were produced in total.
- These gliders were designed to be easy to assemble and disassemble on the battlefield.
- Glider models were also produced for training soldiers and pilots.
- Since pilots could not choose very much where they landed, they often landed in rough terrain and difficult conditions.
- The CG-4 was often towed behind C-47 Skytrain aircraft.
- Some models were even fitted with auxiliary engines for extended range.
- This model glider played a significant role in Operation Overlord, dropping troops behind enemy lines.
- The CG-4 served not only in American service, but also in British service - there it was known as the Hadrian.
- Some soldiers nicknamed the glider the "Flying Coffin" because of the high risk the pilots and crew faced during operations.
Technical parameters:
- dimensions: wingspan 25.5 m, length 14.8 m, height 4.3 m
- empty weight 1 340 kg
- maximum take-off weight 3 750 kg
- maximum flight level typically up to 4 600 m
- maximum towing speed 240 km/h
- crew 2 pilots + 13 soldiers
Major General William C. Lee about the CG-4 glider:
"Flying in a glider is like sitting in the front row of a roller coaster, but without seat belts and feeling like you don't have friends on the ground to help you if something goes wrong."
Assembly instructions
