Riesenflugzeug

A *Riesenflugzeug* (German for "giant aircraft") refers to extremely large aircraft, particularly those designed for specialized or experimental purposes. While the term is not a formal classification in aviation, it is often used colloquially to describe aircraft that exceed conventional sizes, such as cargo planes, military transports, or experimental prototypes.

One of the most famous examples of a *Riesenflugzeug* is the **Messerschmitt Me 264**, a German World War II-era design intended as a long-range strategic bomber. Though never fully operational, its massive wingspan of 60 meters made it one of the largest aircraft of its time. Another notable case is the **Antonov An-225 Mriya**, the world’s heaviest aircraft, capable of carrying payloads exceeding 250 tons. Built in the Soviet Union, it was used for transporting oversized cargo, including spacecraft components.

Experimental projects like the **Soviet Tupolev ANT-20 Maxim Gorkiy** (1930s) and the **American Hughes H-4 Hercules** (1940s) also fall under this informal category. The ANT-20, with a wingspan of 64 meters, was the largest aircraft of its era, while the H-4, nicknamed "Spruce Goose," was designed for military transport but flew only once due to wartime priorities.

Modern *Riesenflugzeug* concepts include the **Stratolaunch Roc**, a six-engine carrier aircraft with a 117-meter wingspan, intended for launching high-altitude vehicles. These aircraft are typically built for niche applications, such as space launch assistance, heavy cargo transport, or scientific research, rather than commercial passenger travel. Their sheer size often presents engineering challenges in design, construction, and operation.