ICM Gotha Go 242A, WWII German Landing Glider

The amphibious transport aircraft Go 242A1 was designed for the deployment of military units behind enemy lines. It could carry 21 fully equipped soldiers and military cargo, such as an army vehicle or a field gun. The cargo area of the fuselage was made of steel tubes, the wings were constructed from wood, and the outer skin of the aircraft was made from water-resistant impregnated fabric. Loading occurred through a hatch at the rear of the fuselage. The position of the hatch at the back of the fuselage was advantageous because if the aircraft collided with an obstacle during landing and the nose was damaged, the hatch remained intact, allowing for quick unloading under combat conditions. The Go 242A1 gliders were used not only for personnel transport but also for supplying troops on the Eastern Front and in North Africa.