Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: Germany
Type: Reconnaissance and Surveillance
Manufacturer: Fieseler, Morane-Saulnier
Fieseler Fi 156 "Storch" Aircraft Overview
The Fieseler Fi 156 Storch was a German light observation and liaison aircraft developed by Fieseler during World War II. It was designed to operate in a wide variety of conditions and environments, and was known for its short takeoff and landing capabilities.
The Storch had a unique design, with a high wing configuration, a tandem seating arrangement for the pilot and observer, and a fixed landing gear with large, low-pressure tires to allow it to operate from unprepared airstrips, fields, and even roads. It was powered by a 240-horsepower Argus As 10 air-cooled engine, and had a top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph).
The Storch was used in a wide range of roles during the war, including reconnaissance, artillery spotting, casualty evacuation, and supply drops. It was also used for command and control purposes, and was favored by high-ranking German officers for its excellent visibility and quiet operation.
The Storch saw action on both the Eastern and Western fronts, as well as in North Africa, and was used by a number of countries after the war, including France, Spain, and Switzerland. Today, a number of Storchs survive, and they are popular among aviation enthusiasts and collectors due to their unique design and historical significance.
Fieseler Fi 156C-2 Specifications
- Crew: 2
- Length: 9.91 m (32 ft 6 in)
- Wingspan: 14.25 m (46 ft 9 in)
- Height: 3.05 m (10 ft 0 in)
- Wing area: 26 m2 (280 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 930 kg (2,050 lb)
- Gross weight: 1,324 kg (2,920 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × Argus As 10 V-8 inverted air-cooled piston engine, 180 kW (240 hp)
- Propellers: 2-bladed
Fieseler Fi 156C-2 Performance
- Maximum speed: 175 km/h (109 mph, 95 kn) at sea level
- Cruise speed: 130 km/h (81 mph, 70 kn) (econ. cruise)
- Range: 390 km (240 mi, 210 nmi) at 150 km/h (93 mph; 81 kn) and 1,000 m (3,280 ft)
- Service ceiling: 4,600 m (15,090 ft)
- Rate of climb: 4.60 m/s (905 ft/min)
Fieseler Fi 156C-2 Armament
- Guns: 1 × MG 15 machine gun