DFS 331

The DFS 331 was a transport glider prototype developed in a collaboration between DFS and Gotha. It was a twenty-seat troop transport designed by Hans Jacobs, who had previously produced the successful, nine seat DFS 230.[2]

DFS 331
Role Troop glider
Manufacturer DFS/Gotha
Designer Hans Jacobs
First flight 30 September 1940[1]
Number built 1

The visibility from the cockpit was good, with the entire nose being glazed, and the body was very wide, allowing it to carry light Flak guns and small military vehicles. A single prototype was built and flown in 1941. The project was passed over in favour of the Gotha Go 242.[2]

Specifications

Data from Die Deutsche Luftrüstung 1933-1945[3], German gliders in World War II[4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Capacity: 20 troops or 2,300 kg (5,071 lb) of cargo
  • Length: 15.81 m (51 ft 10 in)
  • Wingspan: 23 m (75 ft 6 in)
  • Height: 3.55 m (11 ft 8 in)
  • Wing area: 60 m2 (650 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 2,270 kg (5,004 lb)
  • Gross weight: 4,770 kg (10,516 lb)

Performance

  • Never exceed speed: 330 km/h (210 mph, 180 kn)
  • Maximum glide ratio: 1:18
  • Maximum towing speed: 330 km/h (205 mph)

Armament

  • Guns: 2x 7.92 mm (0.312 in) MG 15 machine-guns
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See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

References
  1. Griehl, Manfred (2012). X-Planes: German Luftwaffe Prototypes 1930-1945. London: Frontline Books. ISBN 978-1-783034-19-2.
  2. Wood, Alan (1990). History of the World's Glider Forces. Patrick Stephens Limited. ISBN 978-1-85260-275-8.
  3. Nowarra, Heinz J. (1993). Die Deutsche Luftrüstung 1933–1945 : Band 1 Flugzeugtypen AEG - Dornier. 1. Germany: Bernard & Graefe Verlag. pp. 167–168, 244–245. ISBN 978-3-7637-5465-6.
  4. Nowarra, Heinz J. (1991). German gliders in World War II. West Chester, PA: Schiffer. pp. 20–23, 47. ISBN 0887403581.

Further reading
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