The Waco CG-4A was the most widely used United States troop/cargo military glider of World War II. It was designated the CG-4A by the United States Army Air Forces, and named Hadrian in British military service.

Designed by the Waco Aircraft Company, CG-4A flight testing began in May 1942, and eventually more than 13,900 CG-4As were delivered. Sixteen companies were prime contractors for manufacturing CG-4A's. Wicks Aircraft Company of Kansas City, Missouri was a sub-contractor while Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation of Kansas City, Kansas and the WACO Company of Troy, Ohio were two of the 16 prime contractors.

The CG-4A was constructed of fabric-covered wood and metal and was crewed by a pilot and copilot. The factories ran 24-hour shifts to build the gliders.

The CG-4A could carry 13 troopers and their equipment. Cargo loads could be a quarter ton truck (Jeep), a 75 mm howitzer, or a ¼ ton trailer, all loaded through the upward-hinged nose section. C-47s were usually used as tow aircraft. A few C-46 tugs were used during and after Operation Plunder.

The USAAF CG-4A tow line was 11/16 inch diameter nylon, 350 ft (107 m) long. The CG-4A pickup line was ¹⁵/₁₆ inch- (24 mm)-diameter nylon, but only 225 ft (69 m) long including the doubled loop.

Variants

XCG-4

Prototypes, two built, plus one stress test article.

CG-4A

Main Production variant, survivors became G-4A in 1948, 13,903 built by 16 various contractors.

XCG-4B

One CG-4A built with a plywood structure.

XPG-1

One CG-4A converted with two Franklin 6AC-298-N3 engines by Northwestern.

XPG-2

One CG-4A converted with two 175 hp (130 kW) L-440-1 engines by Ridgefield.

XPG-2A

Two articles: XPG-2 engines changed to 200 hp (150 kW). plus one CG-4A converted also with 200 hp (150 kW) engines..

PG-2A

production PG-2A with two 200 hp (150 kW) L-440-7s, redesignated G-2A in 1948, ten built by Northwestern.

XPG-2B

Cancelled variant with two R-775-9 engines.

LRW-1

13 CG-4A transferred to the United States Navy.

G-2A

PG-2A re-designated in 1948.

G-4A

CG-4A re-designated in 1948.

G-4C

G-4A with different tow-bar, 35 conversions.

Hadrian Mk.I

Royal Air Force designation for the CG-4A, 25 delivered.

Hadrian Mk.II

Royal Air Force designation for the CG-4A with equipment changes.

General characteristics

• Crew: two (pilot and co-pilot)
• Capacity: 13 troopers, or quarter-ton truck (Jeep) and 4 troopers, or 6 litters
• Length: 48 ft 8 in (14.8 m)
• Wingspan: 83 ft 8 in (25.5 m)
• Height: 15 ft 4 in (4.7 m)
• Wing area: 900 ft² (83.6 m²)
• Empty weight: 3,900 lb (1,719 kg)
• Loaded weight: 7,500 lb ()
• Useful load: "Troop Carrier (2 crew & 13 passengers): 4197 lb"; "Cargo Carrier - Jeep (2 crew, 4 passengers, 1 Jeep Car): 4197 lb"; "Cargo Carrier - 75 MM howitzer (2 crew, 3 passengers, 1 Howitzer, 18 rounds ammunition): 4197 lb"
• Max takeoff weight: 7,500 lb (3,400 kg)
• *Max take off (Emergency Load): 9,000 lb (4,091 kg)

Performance

• Never exceed speed: 150 mph IAS "...due to the possibility that windshield panels may blow in and other failures may occur."
• Maximum speed: 150 mph at 7,500 lb (3,400 kg) (240 km/h) 128 mph CAS/135 mph IAS at 9000 lb
• Cruise speed: IAS 72.6 mph (117 km/h)
• Stall speed: IAS 49 mph (79 km/h) with design load 7,500 lb (3,400 kg)
• Wing loading: 8.81 lb/ft² ()
• Rate of sink: About 400 ft/min (122 m/min) at tactical glide speed (IAS 60 mph/96 km/h)
• Landing run: 600-800 feet (180-244 m) for normal three-point landing; "Landing rolls of approximately 2,000 to 3,000 feet are to be expected at the higher emergency gross weights..."

Armament
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Avionics
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