Teggy Posted May 2, 2002 Share Posted May 2, 2002 So, I'm reading Ambrose's D-Day book, and have reached the part covering the initial glider missions. However, I'm not getting a good picture of what these things were all about. How did they come into being? How many people fit in them (it mentions them carrying jeeps sometimes)? How big of a landing strip did they need? If someone could offer a summary, I'd be grateful... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M Hofbauer Posted May 2, 2002 Share Posted May 2, 2002 The CG-4A was the most widely used U.S. glider of World War Two. More that 14,000 CG-4A's were built by twenty companies including two on Long Island, Dade Brothers of Mineola and General Aircraft in Queens. The CG-4A was constructed of steel tubing fuselage and wooden wing, both fabric covered. It was flown by a pilot and co-pilot and it could carry 13 troops or a jeep or cannon. A typical function of the glider was to transport its heavily armed troops behind enemy lines where they could disrupt the advance of the enemy's reserve troops by destroying railroads, bridges and other communications. When the gliders reached their destination, they were released to complete their one-way mission. A large percentage ended in crashes due to the congestion and small landing zones. for full info go here: http://www.pointvista.com/WW2GliderPilots/wacocg4a.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teggy Posted May 2, 2002 Author Share Posted May 2, 2002 wow, thanks so much for that quick reply. Pictures speak a thousand words... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M Hofbauer Posted May 2, 2002 Share Posted May 2, 2002 btw that page also has info on Airspeed Horsa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairbairn-Sykes Posted May 2, 2002 Share Posted May 2, 2002 Another good site on glider usage, primarily the British Glider Regiments: Glider Pilot Regiment: 1942-45 Quick Link:Loads 6 pounder AT gun in a Horsa And regardless of what you think of Ambrose, "Pegasus Bridge" has some great information on glider training and the famed "Ham & Jam" mission. [ May 02, 2002, 02:18 PM: Message edited by: Fairbairn-Sykes Trench Knife ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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