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.
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]United States
United States Army Air Force
United States Navy
Specifications (CG-15A)
[edit]3-view line drawing of the Waco CG-15A
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
[edit]
Related development
Waco CG-4A
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
List of aircraft of World War II
List of World War II military gliders
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.
CG-15A
United States 