Messerschmitt Me 321

The 321 was to Me a Planeur of heavy transport developed by the German firm Messerschmitt during the Second world war.

Design

With the end of the year 1940, during the preparation of the German plan of invasion of the United Kingdom - Operation Seelöwe (otary or sea lion in French) - German high command (Oberkommando of Heeres gold OKH) the need for a plane of heavy transport which can expresses convey 130 infantrymen equipped, impossible thing on a barge of unloading.

The choice of a sailplane of heavy transport was based on the concern of establishing and of making safe a Tête of bridge in enemy territory in the shortest possible amount of time. The capture of the Extremely of Ében-Émael, on May 10th, 1940, by a German airborne operation is the proof for the state major of the axis, of the crucial role of the sailplanes in this kind of strategy. Ironically, the Allies will give them reason at the time of the Débarquement of Normandy in 1944… Unfortunately, the 321 was so heavy for Me that it was to be towed by 3 Messerschmitt Bf 110, a very dangerous practice for the 3 hunters which were to fly in perfect formation and which monopolized more useful fighter plans on other faces. Thus, a special version of the light bomber Heinkel He 111 was developed: the Heinkel He 111 Zwilling. This model combined 2 twinned He 111 nacelles and one 5th additional engine.

Thereafter, an alternative motorized of Me 321 sight the day, the Me 323 " Gigant" with 6 engines for a total of 1 140 ch, which becomes the largest transport aircraft of the Second world war.

External bonds

(of) www.waffenhq.de
(in) www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org

See too

List of the military aircrafts

Random links: