Waco LRW-1
Waco · USA · first flew 1942 · glider
The LRW-1 was the US Navy designation for a variant of the Waco CG-4A Hadrian assault glider, the primary American troop-carrying glider of World War II.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.7 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unpowered assault glider — no engine
- US Navy variant of Waco CG-4A Hadrian
- High-wing troop-carrying combat glider
High-wing monoplane glider with a distinctive hinged nose that swings up for vehicle loading, fabric-covered wings and fuselage, and tandem main wheels — the standard American assault glider configuration.
Specifications
- The Waco LRW-1 has a length of 14.7 m (48 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 25.5 m (84 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 240 km/h (149 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 + 13 troops.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Waco CG-4A was the most widely produced American military glider of World War II, used in every major airborne operation from Sicily to the Rhine; the US Navy procured a number under the LRW-1 designation for Marine Corps assault glider training.
Variants
The LRW-1 was essentially identical to the Army Air Forces' CG-4A; the designation change reflected Navy procurement rather than any design difference.
Where you'll see it
Used by the US Marine Corps for glider assault training during World War II; Marine glider units trained on the type but large-scale Marine glider assault operations were ultimately not conducted.
Related aircraft
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