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If you want to learn something new today, I'd recommend having a read of this article.
Not many know that in WWII the U.S Army dabbled with the idea of jumping Paratroopers from CG4A Gliders in order to increase the number of Paratroopers they could /1
https://arsof-history.org/articles/v3n2_badly_needed_page_1.html?fbclid=IwAR0jMH01G536LkdaQorc1macWSoXejqnJUeaQYW6Tp5QrntKVoCUd6Ecrow
Not many know that in WWII the U.S Army dabbled with the idea of jumping Paratroopers from CG4A Gliders in order to increase the number of Paratroopers they could /1
https://arsof-history.org/articles/v3n2_badly_needed_page_1.html?fbclid=IwAR0jMH01G536LkdaQorc1macWSoXejqnJUeaQYW6Tp5QrntKVoCUd6Ecrow
get grounded in a single lift.
As the article explains, it revealed all sorts of problems that actually one doesn't need to test in practice to know would take effect. The primary of these problems was with the load in each glider being well balanced, as this has an obvious /2
As the article explains, it revealed all sorts of problems that actually one doesn't need to test in practice to know would take effect. The primary of these problems was with the load in each glider being well balanced, as this has an obvious /2
effect on the flight characteristics. In training, Glider Infantry or Gliderborne Artillerymen were taught how to secure a load in a glider to ensure it did not break free. This was not to alleviate concerns of a load breaking free on landing but more so in the air. In landing /3
the glider is almost in the hands of the gods, regardless of how well it is put down by the pilot there are factors out of one's control that could cause catastrophic damage and no amount of rope will prevent a load from breaking free.
In flight, however, if a load breaks /4
In flight, however, if a load breaks /4
free it is game over for everyone and everything on board, that Gliders flight characteristics are shot to pieces and it's only going one way, and that's down.
So, having a load that is required to move in flight, to alter its position and, as the article explains, jump out /5
So, having a load that is required to move in flight, to alter its position and, as the article explains, jump out /5
with perfectly timed intervals is asking for something to go wrong.
That is aside from the fact that Paratroopers, by nature of what they do, typically jump with greater than average combat loads, just adds to the problem.
The two side doors on a Waco are tiny, not nearly /6
That is aside from the fact that Paratroopers, by nature of what they do, typically jump with greater than average combat loads, just adds to the problem.
The two side doors on a Waco are tiny, not nearly /6
big enough for a man to stand fully erect (now now) in. So this compromises his exit, he is forced to virtually kneel to get out of the door. This must, too, have an effect on how rapidly a stick can leave the aircraft.
The jump described was carried out by the 551st PIB who, /7
The jump described was carried out by the 551st PIB who, /7
jumped into Southern France as part of Operation DRAGOON, in August 1944.
