SLINGSBY HENGIST
- Troop transport glider designed in accordance with OR.98 and to Specification
X.25/40 issued in February 1941. The Slingsby T.18 Hengist was designed
to carry 15 troops (including the pilot) and to be towed at max speed
of 150 mph (241 km/h) EAS, in trains of three (loaded) or five (unloaded).
Four prototypes ordered late 1940, of which the first flew at Dishforth
in January 1942, behind a Whitley. Fourteen production Hengist Is delivered
February 1943-March 1944, of which two reached the Glider Pilots' Exercise
Unit and others remained at experimental units or in store until struck
off strength in 1946. A strengthened undercarriage used on production
aircraft was identified as the Mk III by Slingsby; this designation did
not apply to the Hengist, which remained the Mk I throughout. Towing speed,
130 mph (209 km/h). Empty weight, 4,629 Ib (2,100 kg). Gross weight, 8,350
Ib (3,788 kg). Span, 80 ft 0 in (24.38 m). Length, 56 ft 5'12 in (17.22
m). Wing area, 780 sqft (72.46 m2).
