GLIDER INFORMATION
A glider is a winged aircraft with no motor and no propellers. It must be towed by larger
powered aircraft, then released in flight and piloted to the target landing zone. During
1942-1945, Kingsford plant of Ford Motor Company built 4,190 model CG-4A gliders for
use in combat operations during World War II. Kingsford built more CG-4A gliders than any
other place in the USA at much less cost than other manufacturers.
These gliders were used for transporting. Primary reasons for using gliders was because
it was a silent aircraft and could deliver either troops or equipment behind enemy lines
undetected at night. Unlike powered aircraft, a glider could land where there was no
airstrip. Once landed and disembarked, troops began specific assignments such as seize
enemy installations, disrupt enemy communications, reconnaisance work, or relief and
support of friendly troops. Gliders were used by Canada and Great Britain as well as USA.
American glider troops were a part of the 101st Airborne and the 82nd Airborne of the U.S.
Army.
The CG-4A glider is a high-wing cabin aircraft having a steel-tube fuselage covered with
fabric. Its wings were made of wood with plywood and fabric covering. The glider had
fixed-type landing gear and nose skids, and hydraulic brakes. A pilot and co-pilot operated
the towline, trim tabs, spoiler, rudder, toe brake, lights, deceleration parachute, and
communication system. Instruments on the glider were airspeed indicator, rate-of-climb
indicator, bank & turn indicator, altimeter, and compass. The entire nose of the CG-4A
could raise up, allowing for loading and unloading. There were also doors on both sides
of the fuselage.
Dimensions of CG-4A: Wingspan, 83'4" -- Length, 48'4" -- Height, 12'7"
The CG-4A designed weight was 7500 lbs. Maximum designed speed on tow or in free
flight was 150 mph. With the designed load, room required for normal 3-pt landing was
600 to 800 feet. Normal glide speed was approximately 75-85 mph. with normal rate of
decent approximately 400 feet per minute.
The CG-4A could carry:
13 soldiers plus the pilot and co-pilot, making a total of 15 personnel. Instead of troops, a
glider could transport military supplies or equipment such as a 1/4-ton jeep, or a 37mm AT
gun, or a 75 mm. howitzer, or a photographic lab, or a weather station, or radar equipment,
or a field kitchen, or a repair shop, or radio equipment, or six litters for evac of wounded.
Allied Glider Operations during WW II
British mission to Norway, Nov. 1942; many casualties, failed mission
Invasion of Sicily, July 1943
China Burma India operations, February 1944
Invasion of Normandy, June, 1944
Invasion of Southern France, August 1944
Holland Operation, September 1944
Bastogne, December 1944
Rhine River, March 1945
Luzon Philippines, June 1945
Primary builders of the CG-4A were in Troy, OH; Greenville, MI; Astoria, NY; Kansas City,
MO; St. Paul, MN; and Kingsford, MI.
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This information was compiled from various books and online sources by the
Menominee Range Historical Foundation Board of Governors.
