History of the Horsa glider

At the time of the preparation of the Overlord operation, the use of gliders has been devised. Capable of transporting thirteen soldiers with light equipment or a Jeep or small guns.

At the beginning of the Second World War, the British developed a glider capable of carrying 25 armed soldiers in addition to the pilot and copilot. The prototype took flight on September 12, 1941 and the production began a few months later.

Towed by bombers or transport aircrafts, Horsa gliders were first used in Norway. Later, in July 1943, they took part in the invasion of Sicily alongside American Waco models.

Three different versions were built (Airspeed AS 51, Airspeed Mk I, Airspeed Mk II) during the Second World War, and many gliders have been used during the British airborne operations of the Operation Overlord on June 6, 1944, east of the landing beaches, particularly during the assault led by the men of Major Howard to control the Bénouville bridge (the famous Pegasus Bridge).

Horsa glider sheet

Country creator/user: Great Britain
Name: Airspeed AS 51 Horsa

Lenght: 20,40 m
Wingspan: 26,80 m
Height: 5,94 m
Curb weight : 3,797 kg
Maximum speed: 290 km/h

Transport : 25 soldiers with equipment

Crew: 2 (pilot and co-pilot)

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