The Heinkel He-111Z was a five engine, twin fuselage aircraft of the Luftwaffe, used to tow large cargo gliders. With the introduction of the Me-321 Gigant heavy cargo glider in 1940, the Luftwaffe had a need for suitable towing aircraft. To solve the need, two existing bombers were joined by sharing their main wing and adding a center section. In 1941 the first two prototype Heinkel He-111Z (Zwilling – Twin) aircraft were produced, with a fifth engine added to the center section of the wing. The glider tug was very successful, well liked by its crews, and enjoyed a trouble free career. A total of 12 Heinkel He-111Z glider tugs were produced, with eight either shot down or destroyed from bombings. The fate of the remaining four is unclear.
