Gotha Go 244

While studies into a powered model of the Go 242 had commenced relatively early in the glider's development, one of the major factors in what would become the Go 244 was the German's capturing of a large quantity of Gnome-Rhône 14M radial engines following the fall of France in June 1940.

The first Go 244s were delivered to operational units based in Crete, Greece in March 1942; the type would also see action in both North Africa and the Eastern Front.

Some figures, such as Generalfeldmarschall Erhard Milch, criticised the aircraft as being defective, lacking sufficient range, and operationally limited.

A mixture of Junkers Ju 52 or Messerschmitt Me 323 transport aircraft supplemented and eventually replaced the Go 244 in Luftwaffe service.

This concept was ultimately rejected, however, the alternative proposal of a permanently powered twin-engined version of the aircraft was taken forward.

[7] However, it would be the Go 244B that would be the principal production model; it featured a wheeled tricycle undercarriage and accommodated both fuel and oil within the tailbooms.

[11] One senior Luftwaffe official that had openly criticised the Go 244 was Generalfeldmarschall Erhard Milch, who claimed it to be faulty, lacking sufficient range, and of limited application.