WW II German Aircraft – ELEVATOR & RUDDER CLAMP – DFS230 Assault Glider – RARE!

 These clamps were used to secure the elevator and rudder while parked at the airfield.  They are secured on opposite sides of an airplane control surface and secure it from unwanted moving while under harsh weather conditions.

The DFS 230 was a German transport glider operated by the Luftwaffe in World War II. It was developed in 1933 by the Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug (DFS – “German Research Institute for Sailplane Flight”) with Hans Jacobs as the head designer. The glider was the German inspiration for the British Hotspur glider and was intended for airborne assault operations.

It played significant roles in the operations at Fort Eben-Emael, the Battle of Crete, and in the rescue of Benito Mussolini. It was also used in North Africa. However, it was used chiefly in supplying encircled forces on the Eastern Front such as supplying the Demyansk Pocket, the Kholm Pocket, Stalingrad, and the defenders of Festung Budapest (until February 12, 1945). Although production ceased in 1943, it was used right up to the end of the war, for instance, supplying Berlin and Breslau until May 1945.
 

 Made of aluminum and steel, this is a SUPERB piece!  Though it does feature some slight marks and scratches, it still retains 95% original paint!  Though it sif or a DFS230, it is incorrect marked as”DSF230″.  Normally when I find these, they are either heavily corroded, or missing the fabric…this is the ONLY one I have had that is 100% complete!   I have indicated how this was used in the last photo.  A SUPERB piece for any collection or display!