The Airspeed Horsa was a British military glider used during World War II. It was designed by the British aircraft manufacturer Airspeed Limited in response to a requirement from the British military for a large transport glider that could carry troops, equipment, and supplies in support of airborne operations.

The Horsa was a high-wing monoplane with a fabric-covered wooden structure and a large box-like fuselage that could accommodate up to 30 troops or a vehicle such as a Jeep or a light artillery piece. It had a wingspan of 88 feet (26.8 meters) and was powered by a single 240-horsepower Pratt & Whitney Wasp Junior radial engine, which was used to drive a hydraulic pump that operated the landing gear and brakes.

The Horsa made its combat debut during the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943, where it was used to transport troops and equipment behind enemy lines. It was also used extensively during the Normandy landings in June 1944, where it played a crucial role in transporting troops and equipment across the English Channel.

Despite being a large and cumbersome aircraft, the Horsa was well-liked by the troops who used it, thanks to its ability to carry heavy loads and its reliable performance in combat conditions. In total, around 3,600 Horsa gliders were built during the war, and they continued to be used for transport and training purposes in the postwar years.