5 Things You Should Know About The Biggest Plane Of WW2

One of the most spectacular and incredible planes during WWII was the Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant. Here’s what you need to know about this massive plane:

1. It was the largest land-based plane of the war

Being the biggest aircraft of the war is no small feat! The massive Gigant has a wingspan that reaches up to 181 ft, a length measuring almost 93 ft, and had the capacity to hold 130 troops inside the cabin.

2. The Me 323 was born out of its very similar 321 sister

This version was close in appearance. However, the 321 was a glider-based plane and apart from an initial thrust of rocket boosters in take-off, it wasn’t able to propel itself in the air.

3. The 323 was created for the planned invasion of Britain

During this time, Germany needed to ability to land tanks, vehicles, and other heavy equipment much further inland than the beach assaults would normally allow. Thus, the a need for a heavy transport plane. 

Ultimately, even after the operation ended, the need still existed in the Eastern Front and in North Africa. 

4. The engines used were French-made instead of German engines

This was done to reduce the burden on German manufacturing. Germany was already bleeding resources, so it was important for them to delegate these operations to other captured nations.

5. The aircraft’s massive mouth can be opened up to reveal its 12-ton cargo hold

This provides it with the ability to carry a fully equipped Panzer 4 or 88 mm gun with a half-track for towing ability. Similarly, it can carry a large amount of supplies such as 50 barrels of fuel and up to 130 men.