Waco CG-13
Encyclopedia
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The Waco CG-13 was an American
military transport glider aircraft
developed during World War II
. Wright Field Glider Branch realized a need for a glider larger than the CG-4A
and requested designs. The response by several companies produced designs for five larger gliders. One of these designs was the XCG-13 by Waco Aircraft Company
of Troy, Ohio
.
The XCG-13 contract was for a 30-place design with an 8,000 lb useful load capacity to fly 174 mph at 12,000 feet altitude. Flight testing of the prototype was performed at Clinton County Army Air Field and the type was approved 10 March 1943. Testing found that the craft should use tricycle landing gear, and that a hydraulic system be incorporated to open the top-hinged nose opening. These features were incorporated into the second XCG-13.
Ford Motor Company
at Kingsford, Michigan
and Northwestern Aeronautical at St. Paul, Minnesota built YCG-13 models and were given contracts to build the production CG-13A. WACO was not given a production contract. Northwestern Aeronautical built 49 production articles. Ford built 48 as 30 place and 37 as 42 place by adding a bench down the center of the cargo section. Between the two companies, 268 contracted articles were canceled in favor of producing more CG-4A gliders.
The CG-13A glider maximum useful load was 10,200 lb. The 79 mph stall speed was 19 mph higher than specified. One CG-13A was flown in combat in the Appari Mission in the Philippines. The CG-13A gliders were not flown in combat in Europe but were used as transports in England and France. (See External Links for a photo)
The Waco CG-13 was an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
military transport glider aircraft
Glider aircraft
Glider aircraft are heavier-than-air craft that are supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against their lifting surfaces, and whose free flight does not depend on an engine. Mostly these types of aircraft are intended for routine operation without engines, though engine failure can...
developed during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Wright Field Glider Branch realized a need for a glider larger than the CG-4A
Waco CG-4
The Waco CG-4 was the most widely used United States troop/cargo military glider of World War II. It was designated the CG-4 by the United States Army Air Forces, and named Hadrian in British military service....
and requested designs. The response by several companies produced designs for five larger gliders. One of these designs was the XCG-13 by Waco Aircraft Company
Waco Aircraft Company
The Waco Aircraft Company was an aircraft manufacturer located in Troy, Ohio, USA. Between 1919 and 1947, the company produced a wide range of civilian biplanes....
of Troy, Ohio
Troy, Ohio
* - Sports :In addition to Troy High School athletics, Troy is home to the Miami Valley Silverbacks indoor football team of the Continental Indoor Football League....
.
The XCG-13 contract was for a 30-place design with an 8,000 lb useful load capacity to fly 174 mph at 12,000 feet altitude. Flight testing of the prototype was performed at Clinton County Army Air Field and the type was approved 10 March 1943. Testing found that the craft should use tricycle landing gear, and that a hydraulic system be incorporated to open the top-hinged nose opening. These features were incorporated into the second XCG-13.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
at Kingsford, Michigan
Kingsford, Michigan
Kingsford is a city in Dickinson County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,549 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Iron Mountain, MI–WI Micropolitan Statistical Area....
and Northwestern Aeronautical at St. Paul, Minnesota built YCG-13 models and were given contracts to build the production CG-13A. WACO was not given a production contract. Northwestern Aeronautical built 49 production articles. Ford built 48 as 30 place and 37 as 42 place by adding a bench down the center of the cargo section. Between the two companies, 268 contracted articles were canceled in favor of producing more CG-4A gliders.
The CG-13A glider maximum useful load was 10,200 lb. The 79 mph stall speed was 19 mph higher than specified. One CG-13A was flown in combat in the Appari Mission in the Philippines. The CG-13A gliders were not flown in combat in Europe but were used as transports in England and France. (See External Links for a photo)
Specifications (CG-13A)
Operators
- Royal Air ForceRoyal Air ForceThe Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
- Airborne Forces Experimental Establishment - two CG-13As for trials in 1945.
- USAAF
External Links
- Army Glider Can Carry A Fully Loaded Truck August 1944 article on CG-4A