The Bowlus CG-8 was a prototype Second World War American transport glider to be built for United States Army, one was built but the type did not enter production and the programme was cancelled.^[1][2]

The Army awarded a contract to Bowlus Sailplanes for an eight-seat and 15-seat transport glider, the smaller glider was designated the XCG-7 and the larger the XCG-8.^[1] The company encountered serious problems with the design of the larger XCG-8 and the company asked for assistance from the Douglas Aircraft Company, to no avail as the XCG-8 failed testing and did not enter production.^[1] The glider was made from wood and fabric, it was destroyed in a storm in June 1943.^[1]

XCG-8

Prototype 15-seat transport glider, one built.^[2]

Data from Mrazek^[1]

General characteristics

• Crew: 2 (pilot, co-pilot)
• Capacity: 7 fully equipped troops
• Length: 45 ft 0 in (13.72 m)
• Wingspan: 90 ft 0 in (27.43 m)
• Wing area: 880 sq ft (82 m²)
• Empty weight: 7,450 lb (3,379 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 11,050 lb (5,012 kg)

Performance

• Cruise speed: 120 mph (190 km/h, 100 kn) while being towed

• Military gliders

Related development

• Bowlus CG-7

• Andrade, John (1979). U.S.Military Aircraft Designations and Serials since 1909. Midland Counties Publications. ISBN 0-904597-22-9.
• Mrazek, James E. (2011). Airborne Combat - The Glider War/Fighting Gliders of WWII. Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, United States: Stackpole Books. ISBN 978-0-8117-0808-1.