While the unpowered glider could not be flown lightly loaded and needed ballast, the Hamilcar X was less sensitive to centre of gravity issues and could be flown empty. The performance of the Hamilcar X under its own power and loaded to maximum weight was similar to performance under tow. At , it could take off in . Its maximum speed was but it could cruise at . With 400 gallons of fuel it could manage in still air or with of fuel onboard replacing the cargo capacity.