Messerschmitt Me 321 Gigant

The Messerschmitt Me 321 Gigant was a large German cargo glider developed and used during the Second World War to support large-scale invasions. It was conceived during preparations for a possible invasion of Britain, Operation Sea Lion, when Luftwaffe Transport Command saw a need for a larger cargo and troop carrier than the Junkers Ju 52. Its use was very limited because suitable tug aircraft were scarce, it was vulnerable in flight and it was hard to handle on the ground. The first flight of the prototype Me 321 V1 took place on 25 February 1941, towed into the air by a Junkers Ju 90, and the design was developed into the six-engined Me 323.