Besides the DFS-230 and the Gotha 242, other types of gliders have been tried out by the Germans. Three less known types are mentioned to show that glider-development in Germany seems to be tending toward more capacious models.

a. The Merseburg Glider

A more or less experimental type of glider, the Merseburg is said to have a span of about 175 feet and a length of 94 feet. Its load might theoretically be over 20,000 pounds, but is probably less; one Ju-52 could not tow it, if the load were so high. Towing by two or three aircraft is, however, technically possible. The Merseburg glider, with a fuselage breadth of 9 to 10 feet, is wide enough to take the 9-ton tank, Pz. Kw. II. The number of troops which can be accommodated is probably from 40 to 50.

b. The Goliath Glider

Reports have been received of a glider, perhaps known appropriately as the "Goliath," with a twin fuselage and a wing span of about 270 feet. The load is said to be 16 tons, or 140 men. Another calculation gives the possible useful load as 35,000 to 40,000 pounds, with a gross weight as high as 80,000 to 90,000 pounds. Though these reports are unconfirmed, the technical difficulties in building such a glider are not considered insuperable. Three Ju-52's might be required to tow it.

c. The X2A Heavy Glider

The heavy German glider X2A has been reported as capable of carrying 60 men with full equipment, or 40 men and two 37-mm guns, or 20 men and two 77-mm guns. Designed to be pulled by one Ju-52, the heaviest of this type is reputed to be equipped with auxiliary 8-cylinder motors.