AP DFS Kranich II/ASK 13 Scale Sailplane (ARC/ARF)

The Kranich was produced from 1935 until the late 1950's. Many hundreds of Kranichs were built in Germany before the WWII, in Germany, Sweden, Spain and Czechoslovakia during the War, and in Poland, Jugoslavia and Spain after the War. During its long service life, this first mass-produced high-performance two-seater broke almost every record, though at first world records were not easy to set because of the tremendous Soviet two-seater distance records being flown. (407km in 1937 and 619km in 1938) Also, after 1937, the German frontiers were mostly closed because of the political situation. Nevertheless, Kranichs achieved some outstanding records in Germany before the War. The AP Model's 1/5 scale version of this beautiful sailplane comes with the fiberglass fuselage and flawless finish in beige gel-coat. The canopy is removable with fiberglass frame and comes ready for completion. The wings are beautifully finished in scale like Solartex and ready for your aileron, and spoiler servos installation. The plug-in wings as well as tail parts are scale like, classic balsa/plywood construction, and easily removable for transportation. This model comes in two versions, ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) fully covered by Solartex iron-on fabric and ARC (Almost Ready to Cover), ready for covering of your choice. All these features give this model performance characteristic similar to a full scale airplane while still remaining very light and beautifully built. The synergy of low weight and strong structure is very unusual even in a custom production sailplanes and can only be achieved with careful attention to design and construction.

At least on one occasion, probably some time in 1941, Kranichs were used to transport fuel to surrounded Panzers in Russia. The tanks did have some fuel, but needed more to break out. The load of 50 gallons (190l) was carried in the rear seat position. The towplanes were Junkers Ju 87B Stukas. The Kranichs approached silently to land in a marked field next to the forest in which the tanks were hidden.




Special Features:
- Control surfaces: Ailerons, Elevator, Rudder and Spoilers
- Beige gel-coated fiberglass fuselage
- Lightweight balsa/ply construction
- Removable two piece plug-in wings
- Decal set for scale appearance
- Removable stabilizer for easy storage and transportation
- ARF version covered in authentic Solartex
- Fiberglass canopy frame with clear canopy included
- Includes all necessary hardware
- Pre-made openings for spoilers

More information (links):
* Radio and Servo Installation
* How to Simulate Wood Panels