4. Horsa Gliders
Built by Airspeed Limited, Horsa gliders were central to the Allied airborne assaults in World War II. They were used significantly throughout the latter stage of the war. On D-Day in particular, the Allies used these gliders on an exceptional scale to carry soldiers and supplies to Normandy. Before gliding into the landing zone, these gliders would be towed by bomber or transport aircraft. Gliders were particularly helpful in transporting equipment that could not be dropped by parachutes due to heavier weight, or in places where it was impossible to use bigger transport aircraft. They allowed for easier unloading of cargo given their removable tail and hinged nose. But gliders had a downside, though, their structure was flimsy and would often break apart on landing, not to mention that they were also difficult to operate.