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I have a puzzling question about the CG-4A Waco assault glider that I'd like the well informed minds here to ponder.
The CG-4A Waco had the ability to raise the front section containing the cockpit up out of the way for quick unloading. As soon as the glider came to a stop if it wasn't damaged and still sitting up right the crew could raise the front section immediately.
What I don't understand is how they managed the control cabling tension when lifting the front. I've spent a fair amount of time online reading pilot manuals and other writings pertaining to the CG-4A and I find no mention of what they did with the controls cables. It has become one of those minor puzzles that can be bothersome .
The thing about aircraft control cables is that they must be fairly taut to avoid control surface flutter and the control cables also have almost no stretch in them. If you look at pictures of the Waco glider with it's nose section raised you can see that any connected control cables would have to stretch at least half a foot or more and that is just not possible.
There maybe was some kind of quick disconnect but the speed at which they raised the front section would seem to indicate no as even quick disconnects for 3 of the 6 control cables wasn't the method. Maybe some kind of torsion pulleys that maintained the proper tension then shifted when the front was raised? There is no description of any of these devices in the online documents I have been able to find nor is the matter mentioned at all. There is also the question of the wheel brakes and the spoilers.
Perhaps the answer is staring me in the face and I'm just not seeing it. So if anyone knows the answer to this question or would like to offer up any ideas I would be happy to hear them.