Kovozávody Prostějov (KP) – BLK0007 – DFS Kranich II

Description:

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of a German DFS Kranich II glider.

The DFS Kranich II (Deutsche Forschungsanstalt für Segelflug Kranich II) was a German two-seat glider designed in the 1930s. It was an improved version of the original DFS Kranich, developed by Hans Jacobs at the DFS (German Research Institute for Sailplane Flight). The Kranich II became one of the most widely used training and performance gliders of its time, particularly during World War II, where it was employed for military pilot training by the Luftwaffe.

Key Features of the DFS Kranich II:

• Role: Two-seat training and competition glider
• First Flight: 1935 (original Kranich), Kranich II followed shortly after
• Wingspan: ~18 meters
• Construction: Wooden frame with fabric covering
• Performance: Good gliding ratio (~23:1), suitable for both training and cross-country flights

Notable Uses:

• Military Training: Used by the Luftwaffe to train pilots, as flying gliders helped improve skills in unpowered flight and energy management.
• Record Flights: The Kranich II set several distance and altitude records in the late 1930s and 1940s.
• Postwar Use: After the war, many surviving Kranich gliders were used in civilian gliding clubs across Europe.

Straight kit with few parts, around 17 parts in total, based in the AZ Model kit tooled in 2008. BLK line is released as bagged kits with cardboard header, and bit cheaper than regular kits. Kit include decal sheet with 3 markings, including two post war markings.