What is a Fi 156 Storch?
The Fieseler Fi 156 Storch (English: Stork) was a small German liaison aircraft built by Fieseler before and during World War II. Production continued in other countries into the 1950s for the private market. It was notable for its excellent STOL performance and low stall speed of 50 km/h (31 mph).
What happened to the Fieseler Storch?
The Fieseler Storch was the last dogfight victim of the US Forces on the Western Front in World War II USAAF Pilot Duane Francies and his observer, Lt. William Martin, of the 5th US Army Division were on a spotting sortie in their Piper L4 Grasshopper (Cub) when they saw a Storch circling below them.
What is The wingspan of a stork?
Incredible looking with its long spindly undercarriage, a wingspan which at 48ft is as wide as a Fairey Swordfish, full span slats, long fuselage and large “greenhouse” cabin, the Fieseler Storch (appropriately “Stork”) was one of the most unusual aircraft of World War II.
What was the Luftwaffe Storch?
Originally designed in 1935 the Storch served as an army cooperation, reconnaissance aircraft and additionally as an air ambulance. It was operated by the Luftwaffe in many theatres including the Arctic, the Western Desert, the Eastern Front and throughout Europe.
What is a Fieseler Storch?
The Fieseler Storch [Fi 156] is a favourite of many and a celebrated plane of the Luftwaffe, used also in the rescue of the Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini. As the eyes of the Wehrmacht, it’s role in WW2 and characteristics immortalized it.
How many Fi 156s were made?
About 2,900 Fi 156s, mostly C variants, were produced from 1937 to 1945. Main production was at the Fieseler Factory in Kassel, in 1942 production started in the Morane-Saulnier factory at Puteaux in France.
Are Storch planes still in use?
After World War II, Storch aircraft were used in utility roles including agricultural spraying. Many Storches are still operational today and are commonly shown at air shows. In North America, both the Collings Foundation and the Fantasy of Flight museum have airworthy Fi 156 Storch aircraft in their collections.