Main Menu

Germany's Deutsches Forschungsinstitut für Segelflugzeug (DFS) 230 assault glider¹

DFS 230 assault glider:
Germany's DFS 230 assault glider

Ernst Udet visited DFS and was told about the possible use of assault gliders in war.¹ An order was placed on this alone.¹

The first prototype was flown in 1937.¹ Hanna Reitsch often demonstrated the DFS 230 to officials.¹

The DFS 230 was produced by DFS, Gotha, Hartig, Erla, and Mraz (Czechoslovakia).¹ The DFS 230 was produced until 1942.¹

DFS 230V-7: Prototype.¹ Could carry 15 troops.¹
DFS 230A-0: Production sub variant.¹
DFS 230A-1: Production sub variant.¹
DFS 230A-2: Production sub variant.¹ Had dual controls.¹
DFS 230B-1: Production sub variant.¹ Had stronger structure.¹ There was a braking parachute and provision for armament.¹
DFS 230B-2: Production sub variant.¹ Had dual controls.¹
DFS 230A:
DFS 230B:
DFS 230C-1: Conversion of the B-1 with a revised nose.¹ The nose contained three Rheinmetall-Borsig braking rockets which allowed it to land in only 100' / 30 m.¹
DFS 230D-1: Enlarged to carry 15 troops.¹
DFS 230F: Could carry 15 troops.¹ Never produced.¹

The DFS 230 was only used by Germany starting in 1938.¹

Probably one of the most famous operations in which the DFS 230 was used was in the attack on the Belgium Fort Eben Amael.¹

The DFS 230 was used in Crete, and North Africa.¹

The DFS 230 was used in on the Eastern Front in supply missions in Budapest, Breslau and other cities.¹

In September 1943 DFS 230 gliders were used to assault the mountain top prison that held the captured Benito Mussolini.¹

Sources: