RS Models 92309 - 1:72 DFS-230A Operation Merkur WWII German Glider

Plastic Model Kit of the German DFS 230A Assault Glider “Operation Merkur” in 1:72 Scale

RS Models 92309 is a self-assembly model kit representing the German DFS 230A assault glider in its early production version – one of the key elements of Luftwaffe airborne operations during World War II. This particular boxing focuses on Operation “Merkur” (Unternehmen Merkur), the German airborne invasion of the Greek island of Crete in May 1941 – the largest airborne operation in history up to that point and the only one in which DFS 230 gliders were used on a massive scale.

The DFS 230 was a classic assault glider featuring a tubular framework covered with fabric, built in a parasol-wing configuration with two struts connecting the wing to the fuselage. The aircraft carried a pilot and nine fully equipped airborne troops (or up to 1,200 kg of cargo) and was towed by Junkers Ju 52/3m, Henschel Hs 126, or Messerschmitt Bf 110 aircraft. After release from the tow cable, the glider landed directly on the designated target area – if necessary even on top of a building, as demonstrated during the assault on Fort Eben-Emael.

Inside the box you will find:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing, and tailplane components
• Clear cockpit canopy parts
• Landing gear components (takeoff trolley and landing skids)
• Water-slide decal sheet for aircraft used during Operation “Merkur” in Crete (May 1941)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model technical details:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalog number: 92309
• Manufacturer: RS Models
• Finished model length: approx. 156 mm, wingspan: approx. 305 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. The model requires assembly and painting.

Building the model:

RS Models kits are produced using short-run technology, so special attention should be paid to careful removal of parts from the sprues, cleaning mold attachment points, and precise alignment of the main structural components. One of the characteristic features of the DFS 230 is its long wing struts and high parasol wing – these parts require particularly accurate assembly to maintain proper geometry. The cockpit interior and cargo compartment should be painted before joining the fuselage halves.

The typical DFS 230 camouflage used during Operation “Merkur” consisted of Luftwaffe RLM 70 Schwarzgrün and RLM 71 Dunkelgrün on upper surfaces with RLM 65 Hellblau undersides. Some aircraft additionally carried patches or stripes in RLM 79 Sandgelb for Mediterranean operations. Recommended paints include Mr. Hobby Aqueous Hobby Color, AK Real Colors, or Tamiya equivalents in RLM shades. A gloss varnish is recommended before applying decals (to prevent decal silvering), while a satin or matte final coat accurately reproduces the appearance of frontline aircraft.

Essential tools:

• Modeling sprue cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Modeling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing attachment points
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for precise installation of the wing struts
• Modeling putty for finishing joints
• Precision modeling tweezers
• Paint brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Modeling wash for highlighting surface details

About the glider – DFS 230 and Operation “Merkur”:

The DFS 230 (Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug – German Research Institute for Sailplane Flight) was a German assault glider designed by Hans Jacobs in 1933. The prototype first flew in 1937, and the aircraft entered Luftwaffe service in 1939. The glider was intended for airborne assault operations – it could carry a pilot and nine fully equipped paratroopers (or up to 1,200 kg of cargo) and land directly adjacent to the target with an accuracy of around 20 meters thanks to a braking parachute. The structure consisted of a steel tubular frame covered with fabric; the empty glider weighed only about 860 kg.

The first combat use of the DFS 230 took place on May 10, 1940, during the German invasion of Belgium, when 41 gliders landed directly on the concrete roof of Europe’s strongest fortress – Fort Eben-Emael – in one of the most famous airborne operations of World War II. One year later, during Operation “Merkur” (May 20 – June 1, 1941), German Fallschirmjäger used DFS 230 gliders to seize key airfields on Crete. The operation ended in German victory, but at such heavy cost (especially among the paratroopers) that Hitler effectively abandoned further large-scale airborne assaults. DFS 230 gliders remained in service until the end of the war – they also participated in the famous 1943 rescue of Mussolini from the Gran Sasso hotel and in supply missions to surrounded garrisons on the Eastern Front.

Technical data of the original aircraft (DFS 230 A-1):

• Length: 11.24 m
• Wingspan: 21.98 m
• Height: 2.74 m
• Empty weight: approx. 860 kg
• Maximum takeoff weight: approx. 2,100 kg
• Crew: 1 pilot + 9 airborne troops or up to 1,200 kg of cargo
• Armament: optionally 1 × 7.92 mm MG 34 machine gun (B-1 version)
• Maximum towing speed: approx. 210 km/h
• Glide ratio: 18 (empty), 11 (fully loaded)
• Typical tow aircraft: Junkers Ju 52/3m
• Production: more than 1,600 units (1939–1943)

About the manufacturer – RS Models:

RS Models is a Czech manufacturer of plastic model kits operating since the early 1990s. The company specializes in short-run aircraft kits from World War II and the early postwar period – particularly lesser-known Japanese, German, Italian, French, and American prototype aircraft. RS Models kits are produced using short-run technology, giving modelers access to rare subjects unavailable from major mainstream manufacturers. Building RS Models kits is both a rewarding challenge and an excellent way to expand a collection with unique pieces of aviation history.