Waco CG-4 Glider / Hadrian
Technical Information

Background
The Waco CG-4 Glider was designed and built by Waco Aircraft Company (WACO) in Troy, Ohio. Designed as military glider that was made of wood and fabric covered controlled by a pilot and co-pilot with fix landing gear. Although designed by Waco, the gliders were built by sixteen contractors for the U.S. military including: Cessna, Ford (FO), Gibson Appliance (GA). The main production variant was the CG-4A glider.

Wartime History
During World War II, used by the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) and United States Navy (USN) known as the CG-4. Exported to the British and Commonwealth service known as the Hadrian glider. Used by the Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and United States Navy (USN).

In the Pacific Theater, the CG-4 was used in New Guinea. Also, by the British in China Burma India (CBI).

In New Guinea, the CG-4A glider was used to land engineers in remote areas and for rescues. During 1944, three CG-4 gliders landed at Telefomin Airfield.

On June 28, 1945 C-47 "Leaking Louise" towed and released CG-4 "Fanless Faggot" 43-41??? that landed at an improvised landing ground in the Hidden Valley (Balim Valley) in western New Guinea then positioned for for a towed take off by the same C-47 that released it and sucessfully lifted the glider flying it back to Hollandia.

Production
The main production variant was the CG-4A. 13,900 were built by Cessna, Ford, Gibson Appliance.

Technical Details
Crew  Pilot, Co-Pilot
Span  83' 8" (25.5m)
Length  48' 8" (14.8m)
Height  15' 4" (4.7m)
Maximum Speed  150 mph (241 kmh)
Glide Ratio  12:1
Empty Weight  3,900 lbs
Loaded Weight  7,500 lbs
Max Takeoff Weight  7.500
Emergency Load  9,000
Capacity  13 soldiers or a single jeep with 4 soldiers or 6 litters