Messerschmitt Me 321
The Messerschmitt Me 321 Gigant was a large German cargo glider developed and used during World War II. Intended to support large-scale invasions, the Me 321 had very limited use due to the low availability of suitable tug aircraft, high vulnerability whilst in flight, and its difficult ground handling, both at base and at destination landing sites. The Me 321 was developed, in stages, into the six-engined Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant, which removed some of the problems with ground handling, although the payload was reduced. Vulnerability to ground fire and aerial attack remained a constant problem during operations of all variants.
Summary from Wikipedia, photo via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA.
- Manufacturer
- Messerschmitt
- Country of origin
- Germany
- First flight
- 1941-02-25
- Length
- 28.15 m
- Wingspan
- 55 m
Specifications
- Cruise speed
- 97 kt
- Max speed
- 110 kt
- Range
- 215 nm
- Service ceiling
- 10,000 ft
- Rate of climb
- 490 ft/min
- Max takeoff weight
- 75,839 lb
- Empty weight
- 26,896 lb
- Powerplant
- none
- Seats
- 3
- Length
- 92.3 ft
- Wingspan
- 180.4 ft
- Height
- 33.4 ft
- Number built
- 200
Specifications are approximate and may vary by variant. Compiled from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Reference and training only. Specifications vary by variant — consult the manufacturer and the official documents.