Comments about Deutsche Lastensegler

[edwest]

I ask the reader to keep in mind that my comprehension of German is poor and my broad knowledge about the subject matter is limited.

The book itself is hardcover, 9 and 3/4 inches high by about 8 1/2 inches wide. It contains photos and line drawings that range from good to very good. It begins with a chronicle of glider development, blocking out significant developments by date, either giving the year or an exact date. A sample:

"24.1.1940 Robert Hartwig, Sonneberg
[8, RL 3/556]
Die Firma Robert Hartwig liefert die letze der 30 DFS 230 A-1 an die Luftwaffe, und beginnt mit der Lieferung des Geschuetzflugzeugs DFS 230 A-2."

There is a photo of the DFS 331 V1 with gothic nose canopy.

Another entry heading:

"Herbst 1940 Unternehmam Grosssegler (Me 321, Ju 322)"

Photos of the DFS 230 V1.

A top and side view of the Lastentraeger Me 261w.

A weknummer list for Gotha, Sonneberg, Erla, C.K.D. and Buecker. This is followed by two photos of DFS 230's with werknummern on them. One carries an emblem that consists of a shield with a lion (?) rampant with a light segmented outline on a round background that is also outlined and appears segmented. The other photo shows a roof mounted MG just behind the cockpit.

Apparently stills exist from a DFS film showing an externally mounted rocket cylinder for a DFS 230. Another list adds another manufacturer: Boehmisch-Maehrische Maschinenfabriken AG, Prag.

A photo of the Ju 322.

It seems the Go 244 V1 was fitted a BMW 132 engine and was tried with a Gnome Rhone 14 M. I am still getting used to seeing photos of rear braking parachutes.

Another dated entry:

"Herbst 1941 Mittelmeeraum
Die ersten Go 242-Schleppzuege des Go-Kdo/X. Fliegerkorps werden in den Mittelmeerraum verlegt, und fliegen Versorgungseinsaetze nach Afrika."

Apparently, the Me 323 was fitted with different engines, including the Jumo 211, and Alfa Romeo.

A Go 244 is shown fitted with a Walther R I 202 b with what appears to be a recovery parachute.

A photo of a Go 244 B-1 of K.G.z.b.V. 106 in Russia (code 4V + M(?)R).

A photo of Me 323 V 14 with Ju 88 engines (not very good).

A glider with the Narvik emblem (code 4V visible). Type uncertain.

Front and side view drawings of the Go 244 and Projekt P-39.

A photo showing an Argus-Rohres fitted to an uncertain (to me) type.

A top and side cabin open view of the TF 430 which developed into (?) the Ka 430.

Photo of a DFS 230 with Bf 109 in Mistel configuration!

A photo of a DFS 230 used in the Gran Sasso operation. A code is mostly visible.

A photo of a glider with floats!

Another Mistel. A DFS 230 B-2 and Bf 109 E.

A nice three view drawing of the Go 345 wind tunnel model.

The next section shows gliders filled with soldiers and barrels of fuel.

The following section shows various camouflage schemes and some codes.

Another section gives an overview of series construction. There is a photo of an emblem with a diving eagle grasping a stick grenade. More and unusual camouflage schemes.

Then there is the hard to look at photo of a DFS 230 with Fiesler Storch style landing gear.

A photo showing three braking rockets in the nose of a DFS 230 being tested in conjunction with a braking parachute.

A photo of a DFS 230 with an FW 56 in Mistel configuration, and one with a Klemm 35.

A wind tunnel model of the DFS 203.

Some project aircraft are shown in drawings, like the Gotha P-52 and P-53.

Some statistical tables round out the book. Of course, the various towing aircraft are covered along with coupling devices.



Usual disclaimer,
Ed

[edwest]

Forgive me for not mentioning the authors of this fine book: Heinz Mankau and Peter Petrick. The publisher is Motorbuch Verlag.



Usual disclaimer,
Ed