Manufacturer Model
DFS "Schulgleiter" SG.38; standard basic gliding trainer (1938)
DFS "Kranich II"; two seat, advanced training glider (1935)
Schneider / DFS "Grunau Baby II"; glider (1932)
DFS "Habicht"; single-seat acrobatics sailplane (1936)
DFS "Weihe"; high-performance single-seat sailplane (1938)
DFS "Olympia Meise"; high-performance single-seat sailplane (1939)
Schempp-Hirth "Goevier or Gö 4"; side by side, two seat glider.
DFS "Schulgleiter" SG.38; standard basic gliding trainer (1938)
DFS "Kranich II"; two seat, advanced training glider (1935)
Schneider / DFS "Grunau Baby II"; glider (1932)
DFS "Habicht"; single-seat acrobatics sailplane (1936)
DFS "Weihe"; high-performance single-seat sailplane (1938)
DFS "Olympia Meise"; high-performance single-seat sailplane (1939)
Schempp-Hirth "Goevier or Gö 4"; side by side, two seat glider.
| Deutschen NSFK Part 2 |
All gliders within the NSFK, regardless of what gruppe they belonged to, had to be cream in color. Markings and
numbering were applied in black paint on the sides of the fuselage, the lower surface of wings and occasionally on
the upper surface of wings. The markings and numbering were applied as follows:
D- followed by a number representing the specific NSFK Gruppe to which the sailplane or glider belonged, followed
by a number representing either its assigned number within that NSFK Gruppe, or its number among all the gliders in
Germany at the time of its delivery. Typical registration would look like the following: D-11-3400. This example
would show that the glider belong to NSFK Gruppe 11 and was assigned glider #3400. The German national insignia
was found in the same location it was applied to most Luftwaffe aircraft, on both sides of the upper tail of the
glider, generally inside a white circle surrounded by red or as time passed, just the national symbol by itself.
Occasionally, the NSFK Icarus emblem can also be found applied just ahead of the cockpit, on the port side of the
nose of the glider. On occasion, slightly different markings can be observed in period photos, but the above
description relates the markings generally found on most NSFK gliders.
Many gliders at this time and later still maintained transparent fabric that was doped and varnished. In most
instances, only the plywood parts of the aircraft were painted. As can be noted from the following list, NSFK
numbers corresponding to areas were very such the same as the earlier Luftsport-Landesgruppen. The
Nationalsozialistisches Fliegerkorps of NSFK gruppes list shown below is from a 1938 NSFK listing, following the
annexation of Austria (Ostmark).
numbering were applied in black paint on the sides of the fuselage, the lower surface of wings and occasionally on
the upper surface of wings. The markings and numbering were applied as follows:
D- followed by a number representing the specific NSFK Gruppe to which the sailplane or glider belonged, followed
by a number representing either its assigned number within that NSFK Gruppe, or its number among all the gliders in
Germany at the time of its delivery. Typical registration would look like the following: D-11-3400. This example
would show that the glider belong to NSFK Gruppe 11 and was assigned glider #3400. The German national insignia
was found in the same location it was applied to most Luftwaffe aircraft, on both sides of the upper tail of the
glider, generally inside a white circle surrounded by red or as time passed, just the national symbol by itself.
Occasionally, the NSFK Icarus emblem can also be found applied just ahead of the cockpit, on the port side of the
nose of the glider. On occasion, slightly different markings can be observed in period photos, but the above
description relates the markings generally found on most NSFK gliders.
Many gliders at this time and later still maintained transparent fabric that was doped and varnished. In most
instances, only the plywood parts of the aircraft were painted. As can be noted from the following list, NSFK
numbers corresponding to areas were very such the same as the earlier Luftsport-Landesgruppen. The
Nationalsozialistisches Fliegerkorps of NSFK gruppes list shown below is from a 1938 NSFK listing, following the
annexation of Austria (Ostmark).
The following is a listing of Gruppen of the NSFK. This listing is as reported by the NSFK in 1940.
NSFK items are fast becoming some of my favorite items in my collection.
This is due to the fascinating history of the NSFK and my own love of soaring.
I put this page together to provide some additional information regarding the
NSFK and the gliders that were utilized both by this organization, and the
Luftwaffe. While not claiming to be an expert in any way on this topic, I hope
to provide additional information regarding the aircraft flown by the NSFK. If
anyone has any suggestions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
This is due to the fascinating history of the NSFK and my own love of soaring.
I put this page together to provide some additional information regarding the
NSFK and the gliders that were utilized both by this organization, and the
Luftwaffe. While not claiming to be an expert in any way on this topic, I hope
to provide additional information regarding the aircraft flown by the NSFK. If
anyone has any suggestions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
If you happen to use any of the more modern versions of Microsoft Flight simulator, there is a terrific designer of
computerized gliders who lives in Germany, his name is Wolfgang Piper. Visit www.fsglider.de and safely download
some of the most famous German gliders from history, including most of the pre-war and war-time German gliders
flown by the NSFK. Below are just a few examples of the amazing simulator gliders available from this terrific
designer. (From left to right: SG-38, Grunau Baby II, Kranich and the Minimoa.)
computerized gliders who lives in Germany, his name is Wolfgang Piper. Visit www.fsglider.de and safely download
some of the most famous German gliders from history, including most of the pre-war and war-time German gliders
flown by the NSFK. Below are just a few examples of the amazing simulator gliders available from this terrific
designer. (From left to right: SG-38, Grunau Baby II, Kranich and the Minimoa.)
Luftwaffe Gliders:
Prior to and during WWII, the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) also operated gliders, independent of the NSFK. Like the
NSFK, the Luftwaffe had a number of glider pilot schools located throughout the Reich. The attendees of these Luftwaffe
glider pilot schools were generally powered qualified pilots, some who learned their gliding skills as youth in the NSFK,
who would ultimately end up flying transport and assault gliders for the Luftwaffe. The Luftwaffe used a variety of gliders,
many the same as those used in the NSFK glider training, to teach their pilots the techniques of gliding and soaring. The
Luftwaffe tested numerous designs and fielded a number of gliders which were actually used during wartime operations.
Some of the gliders used by the Luftwaffe include:
1) DFS 230 Assault Glider
2) DFS 331 Assault Glider
3) Gotha Go 242 Transport glider
4) Gotha Go 345 Assault Glider
5) Gotha Ka 430 Transport Glider
6) Junkers Ju 322 Assault Glider
7) Messerschmitt Me 321 Assault/Transport Glider. (This was the largest production glider ever used by a military
service.)
Unlike their NSFK counter-parts, the Luftwaffe glider pilots were being trained to deploy their gliders into the combat
arena. While their initial training occurred using the same smaller, one person gliders used by the NSFK, Luftwaffe glider
pilots would eventually graduate into flying the much larger transport and assault gliders.
NSFK, the Luftwaffe had a number of glider pilot schools located throughout the Reich. The attendees of these Luftwaffe
glider pilot schools were generally powered qualified pilots, some who learned their gliding skills as youth in the NSFK,
who would ultimately end up flying transport and assault gliders for the Luftwaffe. The Luftwaffe used a variety of gliders,
many the same as those used in the NSFK glider training, to teach their pilots the techniques of gliding and soaring. The
Luftwaffe tested numerous designs and fielded a number of gliders which were actually used during wartime operations.
Some of the gliders used by the Luftwaffe include:
1) DFS 230 Assault Glider
2) DFS 331 Assault Glider
3) Gotha Go 242 Transport glider
4) Gotha Go 345 Assault Glider
5) Gotha Ka 430 Transport Glider
6) Junkers Ju 322 Assault Glider
7) Messerschmitt Me 321 Assault/Transport Glider. (This was the largest production glider ever used by a military
service.)
Unlike their NSFK counter-parts, the Luftwaffe glider pilots were being trained to deploy their gliders into the combat
arena. While their initial training occurred using the same smaller, one person gliders used by the NSFK, Luftwaffe glider
pilots would eventually graduate into flying the much larger transport and assault gliders.
Above and Left: Two photographs in my collection, recently
obtained together from Germany. Both show Luftwaffe gliders
pilots during training. The photograph on the left shows terrific
detail of the glider and flight gear used by the Luftwaffe glider
training corp.
obtained together from Germany. Both show Luftwaffe gliders
pilots during training. The photograph on the left shows terrific
detail of the glider and flight gear used by the Luftwaffe glider
training corp.
Right: Another photograph in my collection
showing a Luftwaffe glider pilot and his glider.
The markings on the side of the aircraft indicate
it's use within the Luftwaffe, rather than the
NSFK.
showing a Luftwaffe glider pilot and his glider.
The markings on the side of the aircraft indicate
it's use within the Luftwaffe, rather than the
NSFK.
Designation Manufacturer or Designer Remarks
108-10 Schneider "Grunau 9"; primary glider (1929)
108-11 RRG "Zögling 33"; primary glider (1933)
108-14 DFS "Schulgleiter" SG.38; standard basic gliding trainer (1938)
108-15 RRG "Zögling 12m"; primary glider (1934)
108-16 Weber EW-2; four-seat high-performance sailplane
108-21 Hirth Hi 21; two-seat sailplane
108-22 Hirth Hi 20 "MoSe" (for Motorsegler = motor glider); motorized glider
108-29 "Fliege IIa"; primary glider (1935)
108-30 DFS "Kranich II"; two-seat sailplane (1935)
108-47 Jacobs "Rhönadler"; single-seat high-performance sailplane (1932)
108-48 Dittmar "Condor I"; high-performance sailplane (1932)
108-49 Schneider / DFS "Grunau Baby II"; glider (1932)
108-50 Jacobs "Rhönbussard"; single-seat high-performance sailplane (1933)
108-51 Jacobs / DFS "Rhönsperber"; single-seat high-performance sailplane (1935)
108-53 DFS "Habicht"; single-seat acrobatics sailplane (1936)
108-56 Dittmar "Condor II"; single-seat high-performance sailplane (1935)
108-58 Hirth Göppingen Gö 1 "Wolf"; sailplane (1935)
108-59 Hirth Göppingen Gö 3 "Minimoa"; high-performance sailplane (1935)
108-60 Jacobs / DFS "Reiher"; single-seat high-performance sailplane (1937)
108-61 Hütter / Schempp-Hirth Göppingen Gö 4; two-seat sailplane (1937)
108-62 Schwarzwald-Flugzeugbau Donaueschingen "Strolch"; high-performance sailplane
108-63 Akaflieg München Mü 13D "Merlin"; high-performance sailplane (1936)
108-64 Schwarzwald-Flugzeugbau Donaueschingen "Ibis"
108-65 Dittmar / Schleicher "Condor III"; single-seat high-performance sailplane (1938)
108-66 Schneider "Grunau Baby III"; sailplane (1938)
108-67 Hütter H 17; sailplane (1937)
108-68 Jacobs / DFS "Weihe"; high-performance single-seat sailplane (1938)
108-70 Jacobs / DFS "Olympia Meise"; high-performance single-seat sailplane (1939)
108-72 Akaflieg München Mü 17 "Merle"; high-performance sailplane (1939)
108-74 FVA Aachen / Schmetz FVA 10b "Rheinland"; high-performance sailplane
DFS logo
Left: Two wartime era photographs of a
Luftwaffe Segelflieger and his glider, both
dated October 1943. Both provide
interesting detail to the flight equipment
worn by glider pilots, including the addition
of a parachute in the far left photograph.
Luftwaffe Segelflieger and his glider, both
dated October 1943. Both provide
interesting detail to the flight equipment
worn by glider pilots, including the addition
of a parachute in the far left photograph.
Above and Left: Two photographs recently obtained together, showing
Luftwaffe glider students and their glider. Both photographs provide
terrific details related to the uniforms worn by the Luftwaffe
students during their flight training.
Luftwaffe glider students and their glider. Both photographs provide
terrific details related to the uniforms worn by the Luftwaffe
students during their flight training.
Right: An interesting photograph showing a
glider that bears markings showing it belongs
to NSFK Gruppe 7 of Dresden. However, the
photograph depicts Luftwaffe glider pilots
and personnel entering and around the glider,
showing it is clearly being used by the
Luftwaffe for training purposes. Also of
interest is the logo shown just below the
canopy of the glider, "M/W", which is the logo
for the Mannesmann company. During this
time, companies would often donate gliders to
the NSFK and their emblem or logo would be
appropriately applied to the side of the glider.
glider that bears markings showing it belongs
to NSFK Gruppe 7 of Dresden. However, the
photograph depicts Luftwaffe glider pilots
and personnel entering and around the glider,
showing it is clearly being used by the
Luftwaffe for training purposes. Also of
interest is the logo shown just below the
canopy of the glider, "M/W", which is the logo
for the Mannesmann company. During this
time, companies would often donate gliders to
the NSFK and their emblem or logo would be
appropriately applied to the side of the glider.
Left: Another photograph showing Luftwaffe
glider pilots during training. Of interest is the
Luftwaffe flight apparel including the flight
suits, flight helmet and goggles, all Luftwaffe
issued items. The National emblem on the tail
and the manner which it is displayed gives an
idea to the time period of the photograph.
glider pilots during training. Of interest is the
Luftwaffe flight apparel including the flight
suits, flight helmet and goggles, all Luftwaffe
issued items. The National emblem on the tail
and the manner which it is displayed gives an
idea to the time period of the photograph.
Left: "I have flown my C." An original, pre-1945
postcard produced for pilots to celebrate their
achievement of the C certificate. This unused
postcard was manufactured by P. Steffgen, Koblenz,
Germany.
postcard produced for pilots to celebrate their
achievement of the C certificate. This unused
postcard was manufactured by P. Steffgen, Koblenz,
Germany.
|
Right: A beautiful example of a
small booklet published in 1936, being
#24 of 26 booklets in the set. This
booklet, published for the 1936
Berlin Summer Olympics is dedicated
to glider flying, and contains
numerous photographs of glider
building and flying.
small booklet published in 1936, being
#24 of 26 booklets in the set. This
booklet, published for the 1936
Berlin Summer Olympics is dedicated
to glider flying, and contains
numerous photographs of glider
building and flying.
| Organizational Structure of the NSFK Gruppen Standarten Sturmbanne Stürme Trupps Scharen NSFK Ranks Korpsführer Ehrenführer Obergruppenführer Gruppenführer Brigadeführer Oberführer Standartenführer Obersturmbannführer Sturmbannführer Hauptsturmführer Obersturmführer Sturmführer Obertruppführer Truppführer Oberscharführer Scharführer Rottenführer Sturmmann NSFK-Mann Anwärter |
Above: A death/remembrance card of a soldier
killed on the Eastern front. The card indicates
that Obergefr. Albert Huber was killed on
February 29, 1944 while fighting on the Eastern
front. At the time of his death, he was 33 years
old. He was a former NSFK member who held the
rank of Scharfuhrer while serving with the NSFK
in Braunau. Prior to this death, he had been
awarded the Eastern Front Medal.
killed on the Eastern front. The card indicates
that Obergefr. Albert Huber was killed on
February 29, 1944 while fighting on the Eastern
front. At the time of his death, he was 33 years
old. He was a former NSFK member who held the
rank of Scharfuhrer while serving with the NSFK
in Braunau. Prior to this death, he had been
awarded the Eastern Front Medal.
Above: An interesting photograph recently obtained from Germany showing a Luftwaffe glider pilot
preparing to enter his glider. On the reverse side of the photograph is a portion of the pilot's Segelflieger
Ausweis. The small portion of the Ausweis identifies the pilot as Erwin Kottas, born September 14, 1919.
The document shows that Kottas earned his "C" badge for glider flying on September 30, 1942. The
document also interestingly shows that he was issued "C" certificate numbered 28640. THe NSFK stamp on
the document appears to show the document being related to NSFK Gruppe 9.
preparing to enter his glider. On the reverse side of the photograph is a portion of the pilot's Segelflieger
Ausweis. The small portion of the Ausweis identifies the pilot as Erwin Kottas, born September 14, 1919.
The document shows that Kottas earned his "C" badge for glider flying on September 30, 1942. The
document also interestingly shows that he was issued "C" certificate numbered 28640. THe NSFK stamp on
the document appears to show the document being related to NSFK Gruppe 9.
A humorous view of glider pilots in this postcard. The observer
in the Stuka is telling the glider pilots to cut loose. At the same
time, the glider pilots are saying they will cut loose at the "next
uplift." The wording at the bottoms reads: "bold young ones."
in the Stuka is telling the glider pilots to cut loose. At the same
time, the glider pilots are saying they will cut loose at the "next
uplift." The wording at the bottoms reads: "bold young ones."
Above: Three photographs showing a cup from the Waggum Airport (Braunschweig-Waggum),
which was located near what is now Brunswick, Germany. This airport was originally built in
1934 and became a Luftwaffe airbase in 1939. This was also the location of a Luftwaffe glider
school, which had 8 Ju-52's and 20 DFS-230's assigned to the school for student learning. This
was not an NSFK sponored glider school and was specifically eastablished to train Luftwaffe
pilots in piloting the larger, DFS-230 assault gliders. As the war progressed, numerous
Luftwaffe squadrons found themselves operating from the Braunschweig-Waggum airfield,
including both fighter and bomber units. A total of 42 air raids were carried out against this city
by both the RAF and the Army Air Corps.
which was located near what is now Brunswick, Germany. This airport was originally built in
1934 and became a Luftwaffe airbase in 1939. This was also the location of a Luftwaffe glider
school, which had 8 Ju-52's and 20 DFS-230's assigned to the school for student learning. This
was not an NSFK sponored glider school and was specifically eastablished to train Luftwaffe
pilots in piloting the larger, DFS-230 assault gliders. As the war progressed, numerous
Luftwaffe squadrons found themselves operating from the Braunschweig-Waggum airfield,
including both fighter and bomber units. A total of 42 air raids were carried out against this city
by both the RAF and the Army Air Corps.
|
Above and Left: Three photographs showing the same Luftwaffe man while
undergoing glider training in what appears to be a semi-enclosed SG-38. Of
interest in the photographs is the NSFK style flight helmet being worn by the
glider pilot.
undergoing glider training in what appears to be a semi-enclosed SG-38. Of
interest in the photographs is the NSFK style flight helmet being worn by the
glider pilot.
Left: A photograph in my collection showing an NSFK
workshops, with young members of the NSFK working
on the wing framework of a glider. In the background,
the NSFK symbol can be seen painted on the wall,
adjacent to a picture of the Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler. The
young man in the dark suit on the right appears to be
wearing an NSFK certificate of proficiency on his lapel.
workshops, with young members of the NSFK working
on the wing framework of a glider. In the background,
the NSFK symbol can be seen painted on the wall,
adjacent to a picture of the Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler. The
young man in the dark suit on the right appears to be
wearing an NSFK certificate of proficiency on his lapel.
Left: Two WWII era German tinnies promoting German aviation or
related to a German aviation event or fund raiser. These would have
been given out at various aviation related day events, or for providing
donations for a given event. These are commonly mistakenly
identified on the internet as being "NSFK" membership or award pins.
related to a German aviation event or fund raiser. These would have
been given out at various aviation related day events, or for providing
donations for a given event. These are commonly mistakenly
identified on the internet as being "NSFK" membership or award pins.
The C.E. Daniel Collection
| webmaster@danielsww2.com |
Above: A seven photograph grouping depicting Luftwaffe pilots undergoing flight training in the DFS 230
assault glider. Two of the photographs show Ju-52 transport aircraft being utilized as tugs for the DFS
230 gliders, with a third photo showing what appears to be an Hs-126 reconnaissance aircraft being
used to pull the glider into the air. Among other aircraft, the Hs-126 was commonly used as a tug aircraft
for the DFS 230 squadrons.
assault glider. Two of the photographs show Ju-52 transport aircraft being utilized as tugs for the DFS
230 gliders, with a third photo showing what appears to be an Hs-126 reconnaissance aircraft being
used to pull the glider into the air. Among other aircraft, the Hs-126 was commonly used as a tug aircraft
for the DFS 230 squadrons.
Above/Right: A pre-WWII era pitot tube (Heizdüse), used on various NSFK and
Luftwaffe gliders both prior to and during the war. The pitot tube is dated 1935,
and has a makers mark of Askania. The pitot tube is made of brass and aluminum,
and despite a few dents, still clearly displays the werk number (259764) and other
technical and manufacturing information. Founded in 1871, Askania was a major
manufacturer of WWII era aviation instruments and precision watches. The
company is still in existence to this day and based out of Berlin, produces high
quality, luxury wrist watches.
Luftwaffe gliders both prior to and during the war. The pitot tube is dated 1935,
and has a makers mark of Askania. The pitot tube is made of brass and aluminum,
and despite a few dents, still clearly displays the werk number (259764) and other
technical and manufacturing information. Founded in 1871, Askania was a major
manufacturer of WWII era aviation instruments and precision watches. The
company is still in existence to this day and based out of Berlin, produces high
quality, luxury wrist watches.
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