The WWII’s Gigantic Plane That Transported Tanks to Battle

The Hamilcar glider was one of the most unique transport aircraft used during World War II. Designed by British engineers, this massive glider was created to carry heavy military equipment like tanks, vehicles, and artillery into battle. Its use allowed Allied forces to deploy armored support directly onto the battlefield without requiring established airfields. Though it lacked its own engines, the Hamilcar was towed into the sky by powerful aircraft and released near the front lines.

Hamilcar Glider Specifications and Features

The glider was primarily built from wood, with birch and spruce being the main materials. Its outer skin was made from fabric-covered plywood, while key structural areas were reinforced with high-grade steel to ensure durability under heavy loads. It had an impressive wingspan of 110 feet, a length of 68 feet, and a height of 20 feet to the top of its tail fin. When empty, the Hamilcar weighed about 18,400 pounds, but with a full military load of 17,600 pounds, its total weight could reach 36,000 pounds. Despite its size and weight, the glider could be broken down into smaller sections for transport and reassembly at operational sites.

Due to its large dimensions, the Hamilcar required powerful aircraft for towing. Four-engine bombers like the Handley Page Halifax were commonly used to lift the glider into the air. Once airborne, the glider’s design allowed it to carry significant cargo while maintaining a stable flight. To improve aerodynamics and ensure ease of loading, its cockpit and wings were positioned above the fuselage. The cargo compartment measured approximately 32 feet in length, 7 feet 10 inches in width, and between 6 and 7 feet in height. This design made it possible to carry vehicles such as light tanks, which could be loaded through the hinged nose that opened to the side.

The glider’s two-man crew consisted of pilots seated in tandem inside a cockpit located on top of the fuselage. The cockpit could be accessed by an internal ladder, and its elevated position provided the pilots with a clear view during flight and landing. For protection, the cockpit featured a bulletproof windscreen and an armored plate behind the second pilot. Communication between the crew and ground personnel was facilitated by an intercom system. Early prototypes included a hatch for a machine gun to defend against enemy fire during landings, though this feature was removed before full production.

Landing and Cargo Deployment Features

The Hamilcar was designed for steep descents and precise landings near combat zones. Its wingspan and length were similar to that of the Avro Lancaster bomber, ensuring stability during flight. Large flaps allowed for controlled descents and slow touchdown speeds, which were crucial for safe landings in confined areas. These flaps were powered by compressed air, with just enough capacity for a single landing, reducing weight and minimizing the risk of system failure. The glider’s standard approach speed was 100 miles per hour, but it could be reduced to 80 miles per hour for shorter landing zones. The stalling speed varied between 64 miles per hour with flaps retracted and 52 miles per hour with flaps deployed.

Initially, the Hamilcar was fitted with a jettisonable undercarriage to allow landings on skids. However, pilots later preferred using wheels for better control during landing and to avoid collisions with other gliders. The fixed undercarriage was added after loading, using heavy-duty jacks to lift the glider for wheel attachment. This design improved its operational efficiency and allowed for quicker unloading of cargo.

When transporting tanks or vehicles, the Hamilcar featured several innovations to facilitate rapid deployment. The engines of carried vehicles were often started mid-flight, and exhaust fumes were expelled through specially designed ducts. Light tanks like the Tetrarch and M22 Locust could be loaded with their crews already inside. Upon landing, the vehicles’ anchorages were released by pulling a lanyard, allowing them to drive forward and push open the glider’s nose door. If the door mechanism failed, the pilots could manually release it using a hydraulic system. In rare cases, the pilot would slide down the fuselage to operate the release system from the ground, ensuring the cargo could be deployed without delay.