"Just follow the rope!" View from the cockpit of a CG-4A in high tow above a C-47.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Douglas DC-3 / C-47 Skytrain/С-53 Skytrooper / Dakota - СШАUSA - 1935WACO CG-4A Hadrian - СШАUSA - 1942

An early CG-4 stands ready for a training flight with tow line already attached to the fitting above the cockpit.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: WACO CG-4A Hadrian - СШАUSA - 1942

Despite its ungainly looks, the CG-4A was well behaved and comparatively easy to fly. This meant relatively few training hours were necessary before the student was judged sufficiently competent.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: WACO CG-4A Hadrian - СШАUSA - 1942

A pilot performing a rapid stopping manoeuvre during training by pitching the glider forward onto its nose skids, July 1943. The emergency exit doors have been removed for cooling in the hot summer weather and for rapid egress.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: WACO CG-4A Hadrian - СШАUSA - 1942

An improvised 'bulls-eye' mowed into a field served as a spot landing aid for CG-4 student pilots.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: WACO CG-4A Hadrian - СШАUSA - 1942

A TG-4 acts as the centrepiece for a War Bonds gala soon after the US entered the conflict. For a brief period, glider pilots were seen as warrior heroes!

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Laister-Kauffman LK-10 / TG-4 - СШАUSA - 1941

A Schweizer TG-3 in civilian markings is hauled aloft by a winch, the parachute near the nose is used to lower the line gently once released. The TG-3 was an improved TG-2, more suitable for Army training.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Schweizer SGS 2-12 / TG-3 - СШАUSA - 1942

Two of the men most influential in the US Army Glider programme was Air Corps chief General 'Hap' Arnold (rear) and Major (soon Colonel) Fred Dent (front). They are trying out the Army’s first glider, a Schweizer TG-2 during September 1941 in New York.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Schweizer SGS 2-8 / TG-2 - СШАUSA - 1938

The US Army's first glider, a Schweizer TG-2, is assembled for flight after being removed from its trailer. A direct copy of a successful civilian competition design, it was contracted for and delivered in the span of three months

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Schweizer SGS 2-8 / TG-2 - СШАUSA - 1938

Reputable American sailplane maker Hawley Bowlus wasn't as good a businessman. His XTG-12 did eventually fly, illustrated trials in the California desert, but it was too late and with too little evidence of production capacity.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bowlus TG-12 - СШАUSA - 1942

The two-place Pratt, Read & Co LNE-1 was built for Navy and Marine Corps glider pilot training and featured unusual side-by-side seating. That programme folded in 1943 and the gliders were transferred to the Army as the TG-32, though they were simply stored.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Pratt-Read LNE-1 / TG-32 - СШАUSA - 1942

The XTG-5, the first three-seat glider trainer, at Aeronca's Ohio facility, ready to fly just days after the idea of converting its L-3 lightplane was suggested.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Aeronca TG-5 - СШАUSA - 1941

Few of the aircraft employed in the US combat glider programme could be considered elegant, and the TG-8 was farthest from such an accolade. Built by Piper, the type provided efficient training for tough business

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Piper TG-8 - СШАUSA - 1941