Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug
| Company type | Research institute |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace research, glider manufacturing |
| Founded | 1933 |
| Founder | Professor Walter Georgii |
| Headquarters | Darmstadt , Germany |
| Products | Gliders, training gliders, experimental aircraft |
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The Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug (DFS), known in English as the German Research Institute for Sailplane Flight or German Institute for Glider Research, was established in 1933 to unify all gliding operations within Germany under the leadership of Professor Walter Georgii. This organization originated through the nationalization of the Rhön-Rossitten Gesellschaft (RRG) based in Darmstadt.[1]: 76
DFS played a significant role in manufacturing training gliders for both the Hitler Youth and the Luftwaffe, while also advancing research into innovative concepts such as flying wing designs and rocket propulsion systems. Among its prominent aircraft are the DFS 230 transport glider—with over 1600 units produced—serving as Germany’s equivalent to the British Airspeed Horsa glider, and the DFS 194, which is closely related to the renowned Messerschmitt Me 163 rocket fighter.
In response to a deadly crash at the Wasserkuppe in 1938, DFS organized a design competition to develop an improved speed brake for gliders. The winning concept, created by Wolfgang and Ulrich Hütter from Schempp-Hirth, remains in use today and is commonly known as "Schempp-Hirth airbrakes".
Selected Notable DFS Aircraft Projects
- DFS Model 6
- Target glider prototype developed in 1936
- DFS Model 12
- see Argus As 292, introduced in 1937
- DFS 39
- Tail-less research aircraft designed by Lippisch
- DFS 40
- Another tail-less experimental aircraft by Lippisch
- DFS 193
- Experimental aircraft project
- DFS 194
- Rocket-powered research plane, precursor to the Messerschmitt Me 163
- DFS 228
- High-altitude reconnaissance aircraft powered by rockets (prototype stage)
- DFS 230
- Transport glider with production exceeding 1600 units
- DFS 331
- Transport glider prototype
- DFS 332
- DFS 346
- Research aircraft designed for supersonic flight
- Stamer-Lippisch Zögling 1
- Fundamental trainer glider
- DFS Hangwind
- Basic trainer utilizing ridge lift with a twin-boom configuration
- DFS Professor
- Sailplane emphasizing high performance
- DFS E 32
- Sailplane model
- Einheitsschulflugzeug
- Standard flight trainer glider featuring a foldable tail
- DFS Fliege IIa
- Sailplane named "Fly"
- DFS Jacht 71
- Amphibious sailplane variant
- DFS Condor
- High-performance sailplane design
- DFS Rhönadler
- High-performance sailplane dubbed "Eagle of the Rhön"
- DFS Stanavo
- High-performance sailplane model
- DFS Weihe
- High-performance sailplane type
- DFS Zögling 33
- Basic training glider iteration
- DFS Hol's der Teufel
- Training glider nicknamed "To Hell With It!"
- DFS Moazag'otl
- High-performance sailplane variant
- DFS Rhönbussard
- Sailplane design
- DFS São Paulo
- High-performance sailplane model
- DFS Präsident
- High-performance sailplane called "President"
- DFS Rhönsperber
- High-performance sailplane type
- DFS Zögling 35
- Updated version of the Zögling basic trainer
- DFS Habicht
- Aerobatic sailplane model
- DFS Kranich
- Two-seat sailplane named "Crane"
- Schulgleiter 38
- Basic training glider model
- DFS B6
- High-performance sailplane variant
- DFS Ha III
- High-performance sailplane type
- DFS Reiher
- High-performance sailplane design
- DFS Olympia Meise
- High-performance sailplane model
- DFS Seeadler
- Flying boat sailplane named "Sea Eagle"
- DFS Rammer
- Aerial ramming aircraft project powered by a solid-fuel rocket engine
- DFS Eber
- Parasite fighter concept
Legacy of the DFS
The contemporary DLR continues to conduct investigations into gliding flight, a pursuit originally undertaken by the DFS. A notable example is their use of the Glaser-Dirks DG-300 Elan glider, which features an extended wingspan of 17 meters and is employed to accurately establish and evaluate comparative performance metrics for gliders.
See also
- Hanna Reitsch
- Hans Jacobs
- List of Gliders
- List of aircraft of the WW2 Luftwaffe
- List of RLM aircraft designations
- Glider manufacturers
References
- ↑ Reitsch, H., 1955, The Sky My Kingdom, London: Biddles Limited, Guildford and King's Lynn, ISBN 1853672629
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