Halifax towing Horsa glider
Halifax Glider Tug Operations
The Handley Page Halifax proved itself to be a versatile aircraft during World War II. Beyond its primary role as a heavy bomber, the Halifax played a crucial role in the development and execution of airborne operations, serving as a reliable tug for both the Airspeed Horsa troop-carrying glider and the massive General Aircraft Hamilcar heavy transport glider.
Analysis indicates that teamwork is essential for successful glider tug operations, highlighting the need for close cooperation between tug crews and glider pilots, and a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by glider pilots.
The process involved a meticulous procedure to ensure a safe and successful takeoff.
- After connecting the glider’s tow cable to the Halifax, the tug pilot would inch forward, making sure the cable was taut.
- Power was then slowly applied, and both aircraft would accelerate, with the glider becoming airborne first at approximately 65 knots.
- Once airborne, the glider pilot would assume a “high tow” position, effectively assisting the Halifax’s tail to lift off.
- The entire takeoff procedure typically took about 45 seconds.
Cruising speed with a glider in tow was around 130 knots.
- The tug pilot had to closely monitor engine temperatures due to the heavy load.
- An engine failure during towing presented a critical situation, demanding a quick decision on whether to release the glider.
An intercom system running through the tow cable allowed for constant communication between the tug and glider crews.
Crucial safety protocol: in any emergency, the glider pilot had the ultimate authority to decide whether to detach from the tug.
- This principle prioritized the safety of the glider and the troops it carried over the well-being of the Halifax crew.
Ferrying gliders over long distances presented specific challenges.
- For Operation Beggar, part of the invasion of Sicily in July 1943, No. 295 Squadron was tasked with ferrying 36 Horsa gliders from the UK to Tunisia.
- The ferry route was divided into stages, each covering considerable distances, with the first leg spanning 1,200 miles from Portreath across the Bay of Biscay to Sale, Morocco.
- However, experiences like this highlighted the limitations of long-distance glider towing. A report by a No. 295 Squadron pilot suggested that tows exceeding 1,000 miles were unwise.
- The heavy fuel load required by the Halifax and the strain on the airframe and engines from the sustained towing made such long flights risky.
The Halifax played a vital role in major airborne operations, including:
- The D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, towing Horsas to land near strategically important bridges over the Orne and Caen canals.
- Operation Market Garden, the ill-fated attempt to capture bridges in the Netherlands in September 1944.
- Operation Varsity, the massive Rhine crossing in March 1945.
Beyond their military role, some Halifax tugs, including several Mk V aircraft, continued to serve postwar, primarily in training roles for airborne forces.