GAL 48 HOTSPUR MK.II

The GAL.48 Hotspur was a British light, mid-wing, all-wood landing craft from the Second World War. The flight of the prototype took place in November 1940, and shortly after that, serial production began, which lasted until 1943 and resulted in the creation of about 1020 examples of this glider. The GAL.48 Hotspur was developed by General Aircraft Limited by order of the British Air Force (RAF). The emphasis is on the highest possible aerodynamic excellence and the lowest possible production costs. Three main development versions were created in the course of production. The first of them - marked as Mk. And - it was produced in the number of only 18 pieces. Along with the change in the tactics of the use of airborne troops, the Mk.II version was developed, which was adapted to the landing field at random airfields and meadows, as well as its structure was strengthened, assuming its repeated use. It was by far the most produced version of the glider. The last version was designated Mk.III and differed from the Mk.II only in the attachment of the tow rope hook. The gliders could take up to 8 soldiers on board. None of them were used in combat, but they were very heavily used for training pilots and paratroopers.