DFS Kranich II Glider

Description

Tony Ray’s Aero Models DFS Kranich II Glider

Balsa Laser Cut 1/12 Scale Kit for 3 Channel Radio Control

This kit is a 1/12 scale R/C model of the DFS Kranich II glider which is a two-seat sailplane produced in Germany. It was developed by Hans Jacobs for the Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fur Segelflug (DFS).

Series production of the Kranich (Crane) took place in the aircraft division of Karl Schweyer AG in Mannheim. The two-seater was, in its version 2, the most widely built two-seat glider in Germany from 1935 to 1939. Several hundred examples were built; exact numbers are not known.

On 11 October 1940 Erich Klöckner in a Kranich achieved the record height in a glider of 11,460 m (37,598 ft). Because it occurred in wartime, the altitude record was not recognized by the Allied occupying powers, and Klöckner only received official recognition by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) in the late 1990’s. This record height was only exceeded ten years after the flight by the American Bill Ivans during a similar scientific program in the Sierra Nevada.

In 1942 30 Kranichs were built by the Swedish manufacturer AB Flygplan in Norrkoping, and delivered to the Swedish Air Force for training purposes. These machines were given the military designation Flygplan Se 103.

Between 1950 and 1952 50 examples of a slightly modified copy of the Kranich II were built in Poland, known as the SZD-C Zuraw (żuraw is Kranich in Polish = “crane”).

Between 1947-48 10 examples and until 1957, 17 more of a slightly modified copy of the Kranich II were built in Yugoslavia, they have also repaired two war trophy left by the Germans. They were known as the UTVA Zdral LIBIS Zerjav (ždral-žerjav is Kranich in Serbian and Slovenian = “crane”).

DFS Kranich II Glider Kit # GS02

This model builds into an elegant Gull-wing glider for many hours of flight in the summer dusk. The construction is challenging and great fun and results in a very reliable model airplane with a fun factor guaranteed. We are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Within the box, this kit is equipped with 19 sheets of laser cut balsa, plywood, a 1:1 full scale drawing, and a full set of hardware parts including a steel push rod. This kit is also using a brand new numbering system for the model where each part is marked allowing the modeler to easily build it according to the manual which contains 200+ pictures with notes.

Designed for radio control slope soaring, the model can also be converted to free flight for those with appropriate model building skills.

Or, the kit can be built as a beautiful static display model.

Specifications:

• Wingspan: 60″ / 1,498mm
• Wing Area: 16.2 sq. dm
• Fuselage Length: 25.4″ / 645mm
• Flying Weight: 320g-350g
• Scale: 1/12

Kit Contents:

• 19 x balsa wood sheets (different thicknesses)
• 4 x plywood sheets (different thicknesses)
• 1 x blister PVC canopy (front)
• 1 x blister PVC canopy (behind)
• 1 x PVC tube (outer diameter: 6mm, inner diameter: 4mm)
• 1 x carbon tube (outer diameter: 4mm, inner diameter: 3mm)
• 6 x plastic hinges
• 8 x mini paper hinges
• 2 x M2 * 20 screws
• 8 x M1.6 * 5 screws
• 2 x M1.78 * 8 screws
• 2 x steel push rod (diameter: 0.8 mm)
• 1 x steel cable (diameter: 0.3 mm)
• 2 x steel wire adapters
• 10 x copper tube
• 2 x heat shrink tubing
• 1: 1 construction drawings
• NOT INCLUDED: Decals, electronic components

A PDF copy of the building instructions is available. Please provide your email address during purchase so we can send you a copy of the instruction manual after purchase.

Radio Control Operation:

Requires (Not included):

• Transmitter: 3+ Channel RC Transmitter
• Standard Receiver
• 5g Mini Servo (4 each) (Recommendation: EMAX 9251 servo)

Optional Parts (Not included. Please click on links for parts available in the FlyBoyz Store.)

• Pilot

Questions and answers about the flight characteristics:

1. 1. Is the model towable?

      Yes, that is possible. To do this, however, you have to build in a mechanism yourself in order to disconnect the high start line.

   2. Can I also install a motor?

      Yes, that is also possible. The engine thrust must be at least 205-350 grams. It is recommended to add a power module in the upper part of the nose or on the back (note: not included in the kit, customer modification required)

   3. Can I attach a “catapult” hook?

      The Kranich is a micro scale glider and built too fragile to be catapulted into the air from the ground. It is only suitable for towing and slope soaring flights.