Bowlus CG-8

CG-8
Role Transport glider
National origin United States
Manufacturer Bowlus Sailplanes
First flight 1942
Number built 1

The Bowlus CG-8 was a prototype Second World War American transport glider to be built for United States Army, one was built but the type did not enter production and the programme was cancelled.[1][2]

Design and development

The Army awarded a contract to Bowlus Sailplanes for an eight-seat and 15-seat transport glider, the smaller glider was designated the XCG-7 and the larger the XCG-8.[1] The company encountered serious problems with the design of the larger XCG-8 and the company asked for assistance from the Douglas Aircraft Company, to no avail as the XCG-8 failed testing and did not enter production.[1] The glider was made from wood and fabric, it was destroyed in a storm in June 1943.[1]

Variants

XCG-8
Prototype 15-seat transport glider, one built.[2]

Specifications (XCG-8)

Data from Mrazek[1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2 (pilot, co-pilot)
  • Capacity: 7 fully equipped troops
  • Length: 45 ft 0 in (13.72 m)
  • Wingspan: 90 ft 0 in (27.43 m)
  • Wing area: 880 sq ft (82 m2)
  • Empty weight: 7,450 lb (3,379 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 11,050 lb (5,012 kg)

Performance

  • Cruise speed: 120 mph (190 km/h, 100 kn) while being towed

See also

Related development

References

Note

  1. ^ a b c d e Mrazek 2011, p. 375
  2. ^ a b Andrade 1979, p. 97

Bibliography

  • Andrade, John (1979). U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Midland Counties Publications. ISBN 0-904597-22-9.
  • Mrazek, James E. (2011). Airborne Combat - The Glider War/Fighting Gliders of WWII. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, United States: Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-0808-1.