During WWII, German's resources and supply lines were overextended, and the resupply over vast distances in the East and across the Mediterranean became a challenge that would eventually contribute to Germany's downfall. One attempt of the Luftwaffe's Transportgeschwader (transport command) to resolve this challenge was the introduction of the Messerschmitt Me 321 (a transport glider) and the Me 323, a powered version of this aircraft with six 1200 hp radial engines. With a wingspan of 180 ft (a Boeing 747 measures 195 ft!), these aircraft were a class by themselves, whose time had not yet come.

Scholarly Saturdays are free with paid FHCAM Museum Admission.