DFS 230 F
| DFS 230 F | |
|---|---|
| Role | |
| National origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | Gotha |
| Number built | 1 (DFS 230 V7) |
The DFS 230 F was a military assault glider designed and built in Germany, by Gotha during World War II, to succeed the smaller DFS 230 which it was only related to by name.
Design and development
After initial operations using the DFS 230, it became obvious to the Wehrmacht that a larger more capable assault glider would be desirable. The DFS 230 F was designed to fulfil that need, but in an atmosphere of political intransigence. To prevent objections and resentment Gotha designated the glider DFS 230 F, hiding the fact that it was a clean sheet design.
Generally similar in layout and construction to the DFS 230 A, the DFS 230 F was a larger machine capable of carrying almost double the weight of cargo of the base-line DFS 230 A-1, as well as seating up to 15 troop as opposed to seven.
Construction of the DFS 230 F was of welded-steel tube for the fuselage with wooden wings, control and tail surfaces, all fabric or plywood skinned. The fuselage was provided with side doors and a removable roof panel to allow loading of bulky items.
Control of the aircraft was by conventional elevator, ailerons, with large landing flaps to reduce landing speed and spoilers to adjust the approach angle. The undercarriage consisted of two main-wheels attached to the fuselage sides and a tail-skid.
A single prototype, the DFS 230 V7, was built, but no further production was authorised.
Specifications (DFS 230 V7)
Data from Fighting gliders of World War II[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Capacity: 15 equipped troops or 4,180 kg (9,220 lb) cargo
- Length: 12 m (41 ft)
- Wingspan: 19.4 m (63.6 ft)
- Wing area: 39.5 m2 (425 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 1,597 kg (3,520 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 3,493 kg (7,700 lb)
Performance
- Maximum towing speed: 290 km/h (180 mph; 160 kn)
Armament
- Guns: Up to 3x 7.92 mm (0.312 in) machine-guns
References
- ^ Mrazek, James E. (1977). Fighting gliders of World War II. London: Hale. ISBN 978-0312289270.
Further reading
- Green, William (2010). Aircraft of the Third Reich (1st ed.). London: Aerospace Publishing Limited. pp. 136–144. ISBN 978-1-900732-06-2.
- Nowarra, Heinz J. (1993). Die Deutsche Luftruestung 1933–1945 Vol.1 – AEG-Dornier (in German). Koblenz: Bernard & Graefe Verlag. p. 166. ISBN 978-3-7637-5464-9.