AIRSPEED AS.51 HORSA
- Hessell Tiltman designed the Airspeed Horsa to Specification X.26/40
as Britain's first major troop-carrying glider. Of all-wood construction,
the Horsa was designed for dispersed production by companies outside the
aircraft industry. Design and construction of first two prototypes (DG597
and DG603) at Salisbury Hall, London Colney, for assembly at Fairey's
Great West Aerodrome and first flight on September 12, 1941, behind a
Whitley tug; five more prototypes built and test-flown at Portsmouth .
Airspeed Horsa Mk I: Initial production version to carry 20-25
troops. 470 built by Airspeed at Christchurch, 300 by Austin Motor Co
and 1,461 by Harris Lebus and Associates. First operation November 19,
1942 (two Horsas towed by Halifaxes) against Norwegian heavy water plant
in Norway; first major deployment, invasion of Sicily, July 1943. Projected
AS.52 to specification X.3/41 designed (but not built) to carry up to
8,000 Ibs (3,632 kg) of bombs. Powered version with two 375 hp Cheetah
Xs also projected, along with AS.53 vehicle-carrying glider.
Airspeed Horsa Mk II: Version of AS.53 further developed in 1943
as AS.58 with hinged nose and reinforced floor to carry vehicles; twin
nose wheels, and twin tow-rope attach-ment moved from underwing to nosewheel
strut. 225 built by Airspeed at Christchurch; 65 by Austin Motor Co; 1,271
by Harris Lebus Group. Extensively used (some in USAAF markings) in D-Day
landings and subsequent operations up to crossing of the Rhine in March
1945. A few to India for trials. Tugs included Stirling, Halifax, Albemarle,
Whitley and, rarely, Dakota. Gross weight increased to 15,750 1 b (7,144
kg).
