DFS 230
Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug (DFS) · Germany · first flew 1937 · glider
The DFS 230 was the primary German assault glider of World War II, used to deliver troops and equipment in surprise attacks including the famous capture of Eben-Emael and the rescue of Benito Mussolini.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.24 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- Unpowered sailplane — no engine
- WWII German assault glider for up to 10 troops
- Braced high-wing with fixed skid undercarriage
A large high-wing glider with a fabric-covered tubular steel frame, braced wings, fixed central skid supplemented by a droppable wheeled dolly, and a rectangular fuselage accommodating seated troops along each side.
Specifications
- The DFS 230 has a length of 11.24 m (37 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.98 m (72 ft).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + 9 troops.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Hans Jacobs at the DFS (German Research Institute for Gliding), the DFS 230 entered Luftwaffe service in 1939. It was used in the assault on Eben-Emael in Belgium (May 1940), the invasion of Crete (May 1941), and the Gran Sasso raid to rescue Mussolini (September 1943). It could carry nine soldiers in addition to the pilot and was towed by Ju 52s or He 111s.
Variants
Variants included the DFS 230A, B (with braking rockets), and C; the B-1 introduced nose braking rockets to enable a very short landing run.
Where you'll see it
Served extensively with the Luftwaffe from 1940 to 1945 in all major glider assault operations.
Related aircraft
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