The Waco CG-15 was an American military glider, which was developed from the CG-4. Although outwardly similar to its predecessor and carrying the same number of passengers, a number of changes in the design, including shortened wings and a more streamlined nose enabled it to travel faster. 1,000 were ordered and 473 were delivered before production ceased. Two were transferred to the Navy for testing as the XLR2W-1. One unit was converted into an XPG-3 powered glider which used two Jacobs R-755-9 radial engines.
| CG-15 | |
|---|---|
 CG-15A | |
| General information | |
| Type | Military glider |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Waco Aircraft Company |
| Primary user | United States Army Air Forces |
| Number built | 473 |
| History | |
| Developed from | Waco CG-4 |
Variants
edit- XCG-15
- Prototype converted from a CG-4A, one conversion.
- XCG-15A
- New-build prototypes, two built.
- CG-15A
- Production variant, redesignated G-15A in 1948, 427 built.
- PG-3
- One XCG-15A fitted with two R-755-9 engines, redesignated G-3A in 1948.
- XLR2W-1
- Two CG-15As transferred to the United States Navy.
- G-3A
- PG-3 redesignated in 1948.
- G-15A
- CG-15A redesignated in 1948.
Operators
edit
Specifications (CG-15A)
edit
Data from Fighting Gliders of World War II[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 pilots
- Capacity: 13 troops / 4,035 lb (1,830 kg)
- Length: 48 ft 9.6 in (14.874 m)
- Wingspan: 62 ft 1.2 in (18.928 m)
- Height: 12 ft 8.4 in (3.871 m)
- Cargo compartment:
- Length: 13 ft 1.2 in (4.0 m)
- Width: 5 ft 10.2 in (1.8 m)
- Height: 5 ft 6 in (1.7 m)
- Wing area: 623 sq ft (57.9 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 6.21
- Airfoil: NACA 43012[2]
- Empty weight: 4,000 lb (1,814 kg)
- Gross weight: 8,035 lb (3,645 kg)
Performance
- Stall speed: 62 mph (100 km/h, 54 kn) flaps up
- 53 mph (46 kn; 85 km/h) flaps down
- Never exceed speed: 180 mph (290 km/h, 160 kn)
- 100 mph (87 kn; 161 km/h) with flaps lowered
- Wing loading: 12.9 lb/sq ft (63 kg/m2) [citation needed]
See also
editRelated development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
- Airspeed Horsa
- DFS 230
- General Aircraft Hamilcar
- General Aircraft Hotspur
- Gotha Go 242
- Schweizer cargo glider designs
- Slingsby Hengist
Related lists
References
edit- ^ Mrazek, James E. (1 January 1977). Fighting Gliders of World War II (1st ed.). London: St. Martin's Press. pp. 130–133. ISBN 978-0-312-28927-0.
- ^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
- "Fiddlersgreen paper model of WACO CG-4 Invasion Glider with historical notes and photos".
- Handon, David. "WACO CG-15A". Dave's warbirds.com. Retrieved 30 April 2007.