The Douglas XCG-17 was an experimental transport glider developed during World War II by converting a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (the military version of the DC-3) into a glider. The project was intended to test the feasibility of using large, unpowered transport gliders for military operations.
Key Features & Development
Conversion: The aircraft’s engines were removed, and the engine nacelles were streamlined to reduce drag.
Capacity: It retained the C-47's cargo hold, allowing it to transport troops, supplies, or vehicles.
Testing: It was towed by a C-54 Skymaster and demonstrated stable flight characteristics and a long glide ratio (about 14:1).
Purpose: The idea was to use surplus C-47s as gliders for delivering cargo and troops in airborne assaults.
Outcome
Despite successful tests, the concept was not adopted, as powered transport aircraft were more practical for military logistics. The XCG-17 remained a one-off prototype.
Thanks to CHATGPT
Specifications
General Characteristics
- Predecessor Douglas DC-3
- Created On Android
- Wingspan 100.3ft (30.6m)
- Length 70.6ft (21.5m)
- Height 28.9ft (8.8m)
- Empty Weight 16,090lbs (7,298kg)
- Loaded Weight 37,528lbs (17,022kg)
Performance
- Wing Loading 35.5lbs/ft2 (173.4kg/m2)
- Wing Area 1,056.7ft2 (98.2m2)
- Drag Points 6267
Parts
- Number of Parts 82
- Control Surfaces 5
- Performance Cost 389
Thanks to @Mapa for the original build
@PotatoAeronautics ok
@dabestsock I made it glide able with a tow plane.
@C47skytrain thats ok because I don't ether lol
@dabestsock I have no idea on how to make a towed plane. The glider just keeps going ahead and pulling the tow plane around
@C47skytrain yes please
@dabestsock Can you clarify? Do you want me to add a C-47 tow plane?
@C47skytrain can you make c-47 for this plane