DFS 230 Lastensegelflugzeug

DFS 230 Lastensegelflugzeug

From Special Forces In World War 2 Podcast by Special Forces in World War 2 Team

February 12, 2026 · 1h 3m · Season 2026 · Episode 44

About this episode

This episode explores the story of the DFS 230 assault glider and its impact on warfare during World War II.

In the early hours of May 10th, 1940, silent assault gliders land on the roof of Fort Eben-Emael. Within minutes, one of Europe’s most modern fortresses is neutralised, and the world witnesses a new form of warfare. In this episode of The Special Forces in World War II Podcast, we tell the full story of the DFS 230, the German assault glider that makes these precision landings possible. From its origins in secret pre-war development, to its combat debut in Belgium, its mass deployment over Crete, and its legendary role in the Gran Sasso raid, the DFS 230 becomes one of the most unusual and effective airborne weapons of the Second World War. We explore how the glider is built, how it is flown, and how it evolves under combat pressure. From braking parachutes and rocket-assisted landings to one-way supply missions on the eastern front, the dfs 230 proves both innovative and brutally expendable. A story of daring engineering, airborne doctrine, and silent shock assault—across every major theatre of the war. #SpecialForces #WorldWarII #WW2 #DFS230 #Luftwaffe #Fallschirmjäger #Airborne #GliderTroops #EbenEmael #OperationMerkur #GranSasso #MilitaryHistory #WarHistory #WW2Podcast 🔗…

People in this episode

Host: Special Forces in World War 2 Team

Topics covered

  • assault gliders
  • World War II
  • military history
  • airborne operations
  • German military technology

Keywords

  • DFS 230
  • silent assault gliders
  • Fort Eben-Emael
  • airborne weapons
  • military engineering
  • combat operations
  • World War II history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: DFS 230, Luftwaffe, Fallschirmjäger

Books & works: The Special Forces in World War II Podcast

Places: Fort Eben-Emael, Belgium, Crete, Gran Sasso

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