I know this is probably not exactly what you are after…but it gives me the excuse to post what I think is one of the ‘classics’ of aviation photography,the Sikorsky Ilya Muromets…:D

For its time it was absolutely huge, so it’s a good candidate – the picture alone is worth including.

It was the first thing that came to mind when I saw your post. I think the first time I saw it was in a book when I was about five. The US also built a big helicopter prototype but I think it was scrapped before flying. I think I once saw something about the Helicopter Museum at Weston Supermare having the undercarriage from it.

Did you see that link on the link I posted (if you know what I meen) It has a list of the worlds largest aircraft in weight and wingspan.

Ben

I saw the list, but I’m sort of looking for more obscure aeroplanes.

I remembered another giant: Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant.

Thanks a million, it looks fantastic!

I have some interesting material relating to the proposed Zeppelin Z.SO 523, which had it been completed would’ve been the largest aircraft in existence in 1945, with a span of 229.6 Feet and a length of 127.9 Feet.

The material is an original Jan 1945 Ministry of Aircraft Production/Directorate of Technical Development document (marked secret!), put together from captured intelligence which is part of a file from the Gloster Aircraft Company design office, full of what at the time was all highly sensitive and secret information on axis aircraft desgins. Somewhat spine chilling to read, especially the Me 262 file!

Anyway, back on track..although never built, the Z.SO 523 was at the time a proposed really big aeroplane! 😀

Sounds interesting, are there any drawings of the Z.SO 523?

If it ever becomes reality the Be-2500 will make anything else seem small.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beriev_Be-2500

WOW! That is a big bird. Although I’m sure it will be vapor-ware…