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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.

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. 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. The glider was made from wood and fabric, it was destroyed in a storm in June 1943.

Variants

XCG-8

Prototype 15-seat transport glider, one built.

Specifications (XCG-8)

Data from Mrazek

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 m)
• 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

• Military gliders

Related development

• Bowlus CG-7

References

Note

1. ^ Mrazek 2011, p. 375
2. ^ 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.

• 1940s United States military transport aircraft
• Glider aircraft