GENERAL AIRCRAFT HAMILCAR

GENERAL AIRCRAFT G.A.L. 49 HAMILCAR - The General Aircraft Hamilcar G.A.L. 49 was designed to Specification X.27/40 as a tank-carrying heavy glider. Half-scale model tested as General Aircraft G.A.L. 50 (T-0227; serial DP226 not carried) in 1941 and prototype General Aircraft Hamilcar I (DP206) flown March 27, 1942. Production aircraft able to carry Tetrarch Mk IV or Locust tank, two Bren gun universal carriers, self-propelled Bofors gun, two armoured scout cars or freight loads up to 17,500 Ib (7,945 kg). Operational in D-Day landings, June 1944, onwards. Twenty-two built by G.A.L. and 390 by various sub-contractors.

Max wiving speed, 150 mph (241 km/h). Gross weight, 37,000 Ib (16,798 kg). Span, 110ft 0 in (33.53 m). Length, 68ft 0 in (20.73 m).

General Aircraft Hamilcar X: Powered version of General Aircraft Hamilcar I designed to Specification X.4/44 for opera-tions in the Pacific area. First of two proto-types (LA704) flown February 1945; 20 built with 965hp Mercury 31 engines, by conversion of General Aircraft Hamilcar I airframes. Towed take-off still necessary at max weight; capable of return flight, lightly loaded, under own power.

Max speed, 145 mph (233 km/h). Gross weight, 45,500 Ib (20,657 kg). Dimensions as General Aircraft Hamilcar I