c. Types of Gliders
Up to the present time the DFS-230 mentioned above is the only troop-carrying glider that has been identified as carrying assault troops during operations. The Gotha-242 (see following sketch), which has often been referred to as one of the principal troop transport gliders, is used almost entirely for carrying freight. This high-wing, dual-controlled glider is reported, however, to be capable of carrying 21 fully equipped men in addition to 2 pilots.
GERMAN GLIDER -- GOTHA-242
The Merseburg, which has been mentioned as a tank-carrying glider, has been estimated to accommodate 40 to 50 men, while the Goliath is veritably the giant glider that its name implies. This twin-fuselage glider is believed to have a wing span of 270 feet and a wing area of 7,500 square feet, and to carry 17 to 20 tons or 140 fully equipped men, 70 in each fuselage. These gliders are in a more or less experimental stage and are therefore not considered for the purpose of this discussion as a part of the Geschwader organization.
Apparemment, le Goliath, c'est un gros mastodonte avec 2 fuselages (au stade du prototype) alors que le Gotha est un planeur standard :
http://www.lonesentry.com/articles/ttt08/gliders-gliderborne-troops.html
« Modifié: 26 Août 2011, 17:13 par grosbil »
Overrun avec Tassin et Pithivier.... DRM -1
(Case B1 bis : tenaille dans la forêt de Machecoul)