Messerschmitt Me 321
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Me 321 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Cargo glider |
| Manufacturer | Messerschmitt |
| Maiden flight | 7 March 1941 |
| Status | retired |
| Primary user | Luftwaffe |
| Produced | June 1941 – April 1942 |
| Number built | ca. 330 |
| Variants | Messerschmitt Me 323 |
The Messerschmitt Me 321 was a very large German cargo glider aircraft developed during the Second World War.
During the preparation for a possible invasion of Britain during World War II - Operation Sealion - the German High Command (Oberkommando des Heeres or OKH) required a cargo glider that would carry about 130 equipped soldiers because it was not possible to ship all the important weapons and goods by naval vessels. Cargo gliders were also needed to secure bridgeheads in a short time. The capture of Fort Eben-Emael was, for the German army leaders, the proof that gliders were crucial for these scenarios.
However, the Me 321 glider was ultimately so heavy that she needed to be towed by three Messerschmitt Me 110 heavy fighters, which was a waste of much-needed combat aircraft, and a potentially highly dangerous practice.
There was also a powered development of the 321, the Me 323 "Gigant" with six 895 kW engines. This was the biggest land-based cargo airplane of the Second World War.
[edit] Specifications (Me 321)
General characteristics
- Crew: two, pilot and co-pilot
- Capacity: 130 troops
- Length: 28.15 m (92' 4")
- Wingspan: 55 m (180' 5")
- Height: 10.15 m (33' 4")
- Empty weight: 12,400 kg (27,300 lb)
- Loaded weight: 34,400 kg (75,800 lb)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 160 km/h on tow (100 mph)
- Rate of climb: 2.5 m/s towed by three Me 110 airplanes (490 ft/min)
Armament
[edit] External links
Timeline of aviation
Aircraft · Aircraft manufacturers · Aircraft engines · Aircraft engine manufacturers · Airports · Airlines
Air forces · Aircraft weapons · Missiles · Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) · Experimental aircraft
Notable military accidents and incidents · Notable airline accidents and incidents · Famous aviation-related deaths
Flight airspeed record · Flight distance record · Flight altitude record · Flight endurance record · Most produced aircraft
