Soviet Union 1944 ▶ Messerschmitt Me-323 “Gigant“ Transport Aircraft - German Air Force Luftwaffe

155 Soviet Union 1944 ▶ Messerschmitt Me-323 “Gigant“ Transport Aircraft - German Air Force Luftwaffe German History Archive ▶ The Me 323 “Gigant“ was a transport aircraft of the German Luftwaffe and the largest land-based transport aircraft of World War II. It was a further development of the Me 321 heavy-lift glider, initially equipped with four, then six engines. The designer was Josef Fröhlich. On January 20, 1942, the Me 323 made its maiden flight in a four-engine version. Series A, B and C four-engine aircraft were built in very small numbers. The first six-engine production Me 323 D-1s were delivered from the Leipheim and Obertraubling production plants starting in September 1942, followed by the Me 323 D-2 with twin-bladed propellers and the Me 323 D-6 with more powerful defensive armament. The Me 323 E-1 and E-2 had more powerful engines and reinforced defensive armament. Production