Watch a USAF WWII Footage of XPG-2 Glider Demo in 1943

Development of the XPG-2

During World War II, the U.S. Army Air Forces explored various methods to transport troops and equipment. One approach was the development of powered gliders, which could be deployed without needing a tow aircraft. The XPG-2 was an experimental glider designed for testing the feasibility of such an aircraft. Based on the Fairchild Model 24, this glider was modified with engines to allow limited powered flight while still being capable of unpowered landings.

The XPG-2 was one of the early attempts to create an aircraft that combined the silent approach of a glider with the flexibility of powered flight. Engineers worked on this model to assess whether it could be used for covert insertions or supply drops. However, the project did not advance beyond the experimental stage as traditional transport aircraft and standard gliders proved more effective.

The 1943 Demonstration

In 1943, the U.S. Army Air Forces conducted a test flight of the XPG-2, captured in official footage. The demonstration was meant to showcase the glider’s ability to operate both with and without engine power. The film shows the aircraft being towed into the air before briefly using its engine to sustain flight. Once the power was cut, the glider descended, demonstrating a controlled landing without propulsion.

The test confirmed that while the XPG-2 could function as intended, its advantages were limited compared to conventional transport planes. Military planners favored traditional cargo aircraft and gliders to meet wartime demands.

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