Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Gliders, Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer: Waco Aircraft Company
Waco CG-4 Aircraft Overview
The Waco CG-4 was a military glider used by the United States during World War II. It was designed and built by the Waco Aircraft Company and was used primarily for transporting troops and equipment in support of airborne operations. The CG-4 was a high-wing monoplane with a wooden structure and a fabric-covered fuselage.
It had a wingspan of 83 feet (25.3 meters) and could carry up to 13 troops or a vehicle such as a Jeep or a light artillery piece.
The CG-4 was used extensively during the Normandy landings in June 1944 and also saw action during the invasion of Sicily and the Battle of Arnhem. In total, more than 13,900 CG-4 gliders were produced during the war, making it one of the most widely used gliders of the conflict.
Waco CG-4 Specifications
- Crew: two pilots
- Capacity: 13 troops, or quarter-ton truck (Jeep) and 4 troopers, or 6 litters and 4,197 pounds (1,904 kg) useful load
- Length: 48 ft 8 in (14.8 m)
- Wingspan: 83 ft 8 in (25.5 m)
- Height: 15 ft 4 in (4.7 m)
- Wing area: 900 sq ft (83.6 m2)
- Empty weight: 3,900 lb (1,769 kg)
- Gross weight: 7,500 lb (3,402 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 7,500 lb (3,402 kg)
- Max take off (Emergency Load): 9,000 pounds (4,100 kg)
Waco CG-4 Performance
- Crew: two pilots
- Capacity: 13 troops, or quarter-ton truck (Jeep) and 4 troopers, or 6 litters and 4,197 pounds (1,904 kg) useful load
- Length: 48 ft 8 in (14.8 m)
- Wingspan: 83 ft 8 in (25.5 m)
- Height: 15 ft 4 in (4.7 m)
- Wing area: 900 sq ft (83.6 m2)
- Empty weight: 3,900 lb (1,769 kg)
- Gross weight: 7,500 lb (3,402 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 7,500 lb (3,402 kg)
- Max take off (Emergency Load): 9,000 pounds (4,100 kg)
