The WACO CG-4A "Hadrian" was the primary troop and cargo glider for the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. This comprehensive digital collection provides essential historical reference and technical documentation for researchers, aviation historians, restoration professionals, and military aviation enthusiasts studying this iconic unpowered assault aircraft.

Definitive Collection with Free Lifetime Updates: This is a living collection that we continuously expand and refine. As we acquire additional WACO CG-4A documentation, technical bulletins, or variant-specific materials, we update this collection and provide free lifetime updates to all purchasers. Your one-time purchase guarantees access to all future additions and improvements to this collection.

Historical Note

The WACO CG-4A "Hadrian" represented a critical innovation in airborne assault operations during WWII. Designed for stability and high-capacity transport rather than speed, this high-wing glider featured a unique hinged-nose design that allowed rapid loading and unloading of cargo, vehicles, and troops. With over 13,900 units produced, the CG-4A participated in every major Allied airborne operation from Sicily to the Rhine crossing, delivering soldiers and equipment silently behind enemy lines. Its wood, fabric, and steel tube construction made it economical to produce, while its 12:1 glide ratio and 900 sq ft wing area provided reliable performance under tow and during tactical landings on rough terrain.

Manuals Included in This Collection

• WACO CG-4A PG-2A Gliders Aircraft Structural Repair Instructions Manual - TO 09-40CA-3 - 1946
• WACO CG-4A Glider Hadrian Aircraft Parts Catalog Manual - TO 09-40CA-4 - 1945
• WACO CG-4A Glider Hadrian Aircraft Erection and Maintenance Manual - TO 09-40CA-2 - 1944
• WACO CG-4A Glider Hadrian Aircraft Erection and Maintenance Manual - 1943
• WACO CG-4A Glider Hadrian Aircraft Pilot's Operating Instructions Manual - 1944
• WACO CG-4A Glider Hadrian Primary Flight Training Manual - 1944

This collection provides comprehensive coverage of structural repair procedures, parts identification and cataloging, erection and maintenance protocols across multiple revision years, pilot operating instructions, and primary flight training procedures. The documentation spans 1943-1946, capturing the evolution of maintenance practices and operational procedures throughout the aircraft's active service period.

Engineering Norms and Standards

The CG-4A was designed and maintained according to U.S. Army Air Forces Technical Orders and military specifications of the 1940s. Key technical parameters include:

• Aerodynamic Performance: Glide ratio 12:1, rate of sink approximately 400 ft/min at 60 mph tactical speed, stall speed 49 mph at design load
• Structural Specifications: Wingspan 83 ft 8 in, length 48 ft 8 in, empty weight 3,900 lbs, normal loaded weight 7,500 lbs (emergency up to 9,000 lbs)
• Speed Limitations: Maximum towed speed 150 mph (Never Exceed), cruise speed 73 mph IAS
• Wing Design: 900 sq ft wing area with spoilers on upper surfaces for glide path control, wing loading 8.33 lb/sq ft
• Landing Gear: Equipped with wheels and hydraulic brakes; tactical undercarriage could be jettisoned for skid landings in rough terrain

Format and Delivery

All manuals are delivered as high-resolution PDF files, optimized for digital viewing, printing, and archival storage. Files are organized in a clear folder structure for easy navigation. Download links are provided immediately upon purchase.

Disclaimer

This item is sold for historical and reference only. These are either original or copies of manuals used when these aircraft were in active duty, now transferred into electronic format. These manuals are not meant to be used for current update material for certification/repair, but make an excellent reference for the scholar, collector, modeler or aircraft enthusiast. For proprietary reasons, we generally only provide civil manuals and blueprints on obsolete aircraft/engines/helicopters. The information is for reference only, and we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy or currency of any manuals.

Reference herein to any specific commercial products by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, is not meant to imply or suggest any endorsement by, or affiliation with that manufacturer or supplier. All trade names, trademarks and manufacturer names are the property of their respective owners.