DFS Reiher
Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug (DFS) · Germany · first flew 1937 · glider
The DFS Reiher (Heron) was a German high-performance single-seat competition sailplane of 1937, designed by the Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug (German Gliding Research Institute). It set several soaring records and represented the pinnacle of 1930s glider design.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × none, embedded-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.76 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unpowered sailplane — no engine
- German high-performance single-seat glider of the 1930s
- Extremely long tapered wing for high aspect ratio
Instantly recognisable as a high-performance 1930s sailplane by its extremely long tapered wings, graceful fuselage, and the absence of any engine installation.
Specifications
- The DFS Reiher has a length of 7.76 m (25 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 19 m (62 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 200 km/h (124 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The DFS produced a succession of landmark glider designs in the 1930s, and the Reiher was among the most refined, with a very high aspect-ratio wing and clean aerodynamics. It was used in international soaring competitions and research programmes. The type demonstrated performance that influenced subsequent sailplane development worldwide.
Variants
A small number were built; the Reiher II and Reiher III incorporated progressive refinements.
Where you'll see it
Used for competition soaring and aeronautical research in Germany before and during World War II.
Related aircraft
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