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me323_07.jpg
Messerschmitt Me 323681 viewsA powered derivative of the Me 321, the Me 323 proved to be a successful aircraft. Several variants were produced including a Gunship and bomber. This vulnerable transport suffered heavily at the guns of Allied fighters. This version also carried several tonnes of armor and bulletproof glass. Eventually it was decided that escort fighters would be more effective and this version did not see wide-spread production.22222
(12 votes)
Me410V1-2.jpg
Messerschmidt Me 410 Hornisse709 viewsThe Me 410, was an improvement of the Me 210 proposed as a high altitude fighter/bomber with two DB 603A engines (1750 hp), wing edge slats, a presurized cabine, lengthened engine nacelles and no sweep back on the wings. The Me 410 was waited everywhere in all fronts by 1943 and arrived too late. When it finally arrived, it was usually limited to the role of high-speed bomber or reconnaissance. The Hornisse was more successful in Observation units 1 and 7 than in the interceptor role.
The first prototype V1 was ready by the end of 1942. The entire test program envolved some twenty test planes many of which were modified Me 210s. The armament was the same as in the Me 210.
11111
(13 votes)
Ta154V1-1.jpg
Focke Wulf TA154 Moskito1042 viewsThe Ta154 was developed because the Mosquito night bombers were almost invulnerable for a long time. The airframe was made of wood, a quite unusual feature for a german frontline aircraft, and there was just one production plant for a suitable glue, which was destroyed by a bombing raid. Instead, another glue was used, which caused some damage to nearby wood. This was the reason why Tank cancelled the quantity production after 8 prototypes, 7 pre-serial planes and only 10 serial planes until a better glue was available (indeed, there was none). Another weakness was the bow-wheel landing gear, which caused some crashes. Interesting was the method how the stability of the structure at high speeds was tested; they dragged a hull through water at high speed! The Ta154C was supposed to make use of the modern 1750PS Jumo213 engines.
22222
(20 votes)
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