This problem led to the evolution of the similar Me 323D 'powered glider'
series with six piston engines and a suitably-strengthened airframe,
although the prototype was fitted with only four motors. Structurally similar to the earlier design, all the powered variants retained the clamshell doors in the nose and reverted to the bogie
landing gear, and in this form the type was capable of providing transport for a minimum of 130 troops and a crew which was now increased to five on the Me 323D-6 variant which appeared in
December 1942.
The additional members were a pair of engineers to look after the problem of engine synchronization, while in the later Me 323E-1 version with engines of increased power this number was augmented by a further pair of men to operate an extra two gun turrets.
Production was planned to continue into 1945, but it in fact ceased in the spring of the previous year when less than 200 examples had been delivered of the powered type.
Specification Messerschmitt Me 323D-6
Type: heavy assault transport
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Powerplant: six 850. l-kW(l, 140-hp)
Gnome-Rhône 14N 14-cylinder aircooled
radial piston engines
Performance: maximum speed
285 km/h (177 mph) at sea level; range
1100 km (684 miles)
Weights: empty 27330 kg (60,252 lb);
maximum take-off 43000 kg (94,799 lb)
Dimensions: span 55.00 m (180 ft
5,4 in); length 28.15 m (92 ft 4,3 in);
height 8.30 m (27 ft 2.8 in); wing area
300 m
