Specifications:
Wingspan: 83'8"
Length: 48'4"
Top Speed: 150 mph (towed)
Weight: 4200 lbs

Mineola / Queens, 1945

The CG-4A was the most widely used U.S. glider of World War Two. More that 14,000 CG-4A's were built by twenty companies including two on Long Island, Dade Brothers of Mineola and General Aircraft in Queens. The CG-4A was constructed of steel tubing fuselage and wooden wing, both fabric covered. It was flown by a pilot and co-pilot and it could carry 13 troops or a jeep or cannon. A typical function of the glider was to transport its heavily armed troops behind enemy lines where they could disrupt the advance of the enemy's reserve troops by destroying railroads, bridges and other communications. When the gliders reached their destination, they were released to complete their one-way mission. A large percentage ended in crashes due to the congestion and small landing zones.