DFS-230A "Operation Merkur"

The DFS 230 was a German military transport glider.
It was developed in 1933 by the German Research Institute for Soaring Flight (DFS) under the direction of chief designer Hans Jacobs. In addition to the pilot, the glider accommodated nine men sitting closely side-by-side on a narrow bench in the center of the fuselage. Access to the cramped interior was via a single side door. The forward-seated passenger could operate the aircraft's only armament: a machine gun. Designed for assault operations, the aircraft was intended to land directly at the target site; consequently, it was equipped with a braking parachute system. This allowed the glider to approach the target in a steep dive at an 80-degree angle and land within a 20-meter radius of the target point. The aircraft could carry up to 1,200 kg of cargo.
It played a significant role in operations against Fort Eben-Emael, in Crete and North Africa, as well as in the rescue of Benito Mussolini and the raid on Tito's headquarters. However, it was primarily used to supply encircled troops on the Eastern Front—such as during the resupply of the Demyansk and Kholm pockets, Stalingrad, and the defenders of "Fortress Budapest." Although production ceased in 1943, the aircraft remained in service until the end of the war—for instance, supplying Breslau and Berlin as late as May 1945.

Plastic model kit

Decal options:

• DFS-230A, LLG 1, Operation Merkur (Mercury), Battle of Crete, May 1941
• DFS-230A, No. 15, LS-Kdo. Hundenborn, Odessa, Ukraine, September 1941
• DFS-230A, No. 43, *Sturmgruppe Granit*, Battle for Fort Eben-Emael, May 1940, Belgium
• DFS-230A, LH+1-8, 1(DFS)/VK(S)2, Tobruk, North Africa 1942

Scale 1:72

unbuilt / unpainted

Paint and glue not included