The CG-4a (Combat Glider) was the standard transport for the US glider Troops during WWII. The concept of delivering men into battle by the use of a glider was developed by the Germans in the late 1930's. It's practice came about do to the fact that a group of men could be delivered to a landing zone as a whole, ready to fight with weapons in hand, not scattered like paratroopers were. The glider was also used to carry in the extra supplies and heavy equipment needed to take and hold strategic points.

Click here for In depth details on the CG-4a WACO Combat Glider

The AS-51 "Horsa I" was also used by American glidermen because of it's ability to carry much heavier loads then the CG-4a glider. Being designed completely of wood it had a wing span of 88 feet and a length of 67 feet. It had a crew of two and could carry over 7100 pounds of equipment or up to 25 fully equipped men. The AS-51 "Horsa I" was loaded via a large side door on the left side just behind the cockpit. To unload heavy equipment from the glider, the tail section was unbolted and pushed to one side. Having trouble removing the bolts during training, small explosive charges were attached to the bolts to aid in the speed of unloading in combat.

Click here for In depth details on the Horsa I,II British Combat Glider

The princable transport aircraft used by the American Airborne forces was the Douglas C-47, nick named "SKYTRAIN" or "GOONEY BIRD".

Click here for In depth details on the C-47 Douglas "Skytrain"