Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant
Messerschmitt · Germany · first flew 1942 · transport aircraft
The Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant was the largest land-based transport aircraft of World War II, powered by six radial engines and capable of carrying tanks, artillery, and over 100 fully equipped troops. It was converted from the Me 321 unpowered glider by adding powerplants.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 6 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 28.15 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Six-engine WWII heavy transport — largest land-based transport of the war (engines capped to 4 in count; actual count 6)
- Clamshell nose doors for vehicle loading
- Fixed multi-wheel undercarriage, fabric-covered wings
Unmistakable by its enormous high wing, six widely-spaced radial engines, clamshell nose doors, fabric-covered structure, and fixed multi-wheel undercarriage bogies — the sheer scale distinguishes it from all contemporaries.
Specifications
- The Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant has a length of 28.15 m (92 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 55.2 m (181 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 253 km/h (157 mph).
- Typical crew: 5, up to 130 troops.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Me 321 glider first flew in 1941, and the decision to add six Gnome-Rhône 14N radial engines produced the Me 323. Entering service in 1942, Gigants flew the Mediterranean supply routes to North Africa, suffering catastrophic losses in April 1943 when Allied fighters intercepted a formation over the Strait of Sicily, destroying eighteen aircraft in a single action.
Variants
The Me 323D-1 and D-2 were the main variants; later E-variants featured additional defensive armament. All had six engines, though engine types varied between Gnome-Rhône and Junkers Jumo versions.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the Luftwaffe Transport units (Transportgeschwader) on the Eastern Front and Mediterranean supply routes; none survived the war in airworthy condition.
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