May I pose a whimsical challenge?
Build a better assault glider.
It is the summer of 1940 and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill is shocked by German successes with paratroopers and assault gliders.
You are a civilian engineer or RCAF engineering officer tasked with designing an assault glider to the same specifications as the German DFS 230. It must be so economical to build that it is expendable. It must carry 10 heavily-equipped infantrymen plus a pilot or two. Maximum tow speed 150 mph. It must have a comparatively flat glide (20 to 1 ?) ratio so that it can release its two-rope at 10,000 or 15,000 feet and well off the target so that it can glide silently to its target. Glide ratio can be adjusted by flaps, spoilers, adjustable drag chutes, or you brilliant invention.
It will be manufactured by semi-skilled labour at furniture factories, etc. It must be easy to dis-assemble for shipping and quickly assembled by RCAF airplane mechanics supervising infantry. The maximum shipping volume is one railroad car. Bonus points if un-bolted flying surfaces can be stowed inside the fuselage for shipping.
The only difference from the original time line is that RCAF generals are enthusiastic about building assault gliders.
Later glider projects will include a 2/3 seat training glider, a 30 seat assault glider and a glider big enough to carry light tanks (10 tons).
Build a better assault glider.
It is the summer of 1940 and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill is shocked by German successes with paratroopers and assault gliders.
You are a civilian engineer or RCAF engineering officer tasked with designing an assault glider to the same specifications as the German DFS 230. It must be so economical to build that it is expendable. It must carry 10 heavily-equipped infantrymen plus a pilot or two. Maximum tow speed 150 mph. It must have a comparatively flat glide (20 to 1 ?) ratio so that it can release its two-rope at 10,000 or 15,000 feet and well off the target so that it can glide silently to its target. Glide ratio can be adjusted by flaps, spoilers, adjustable drag chutes, or you brilliant invention.
It will be manufactured by semi-skilled labour at furniture factories, etc. It must be easy to dis-assemble for shipping and quickly assembled by RCAF airplane mechanics supervising infantry. The maximum shipping volume is one railroad car. Bonus points if un-bolted flying surfaces can be stowed inside the fuselage for shipping.
The only difference from the original time line is that RCAF generals are enthusiastic about building assault gliders.
Later glider projects will include a 2/3 seat training glider, a 30 seat assault glider and a glider big enough to carry light tanks (10 tons).