Germany's Fieseler Fi 156 Storch (Stork) observation, transport1,2,3

Fieseler Fi 156 Storch observation:
Germany's Fieseler Fi 156 Storch observation 		     
Fieseler Fi 156 Storch observation:
Germany's Fieseler Fi 156 Storch observation		 Fieseler Fi 156 Storch observation:
Germany's Fieseler Fi 156 Storch observation		    

Design

Reinhold Mewes, Erich Bachem, and World War I ace Gerhard Fieseler teamed to design the Storch which could land and take off from just about anywhere.1 The Fieseler Storch was to meet a 1935 army requirement.2,3

The frame was built with steel tubing.3 Wood comprised the tail and wing.3 Everything was fabric covered except the tail which was covered in wood.3

Canopy

The canopy was under the high wing and protruded out over the fuselage making for excellent viewing.1 This however also made the plane vulnerable to ground fire.1

Wing

The wing had slotted ailerons and flaps which were advanced for its time.1,3

Landing Gear

The undercarriage legs were long travel and could handle rough strips.1 It could land and take off in 200'.3 If the conditions were just right it could land in 50'.3

Since the landings were so short, a tailskid, instead of a tail wheel was used.1,3 If the wind was just right, a pilot could keep the Storch nearly motionless in the air.3

Prototype

The Storch prototype first flew on or around May 24, 1936.1

Production

Variants

Usage

Britain, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland used the Fi 156.2

Mussolini Rescue

On September 12, 1943, Benito Mussolini was flown out of capture by a Storch taking off in less than 330' / 100 m at high altitude.1,3

Fleeing Berlin

The last known plane to take off from Berlin in May 1945 was a Storch.1

Postwar Production

Morane-Saulnier continued production and designated them the MS.500 and MS.502 Criquet.2

Mraz continued production and designated them the K-65 Cap.2

  Fieseler Fi 156 Storch2 Fieseler Fi 156C Storch1,2 Fieseler Fi 156 C-2 Storch3
Type Utility transport2 Liasion1, Observation1, Rescue1 Reconnaissance3
Crew 12 11
Pilot1 		13
Passengers 12 21 1 - 23
Engine (Type) Argus As 10C2 Argus As 10C-3 piston1 Argus As 10C-33
OR Argus As 10P2    
Cylinders Inverted V 82 Inverted V-81 V 83
Cooling   Air1 Air3
HP 10C: 2402
10P: 2602 		2401 2403
Propeller blades 22 21  
Dimensions      
Span 46' 9"2
14.25 m2 		47'1
14.25 m1 		46' 9"3
Length 32' 5.75"2
9.9 m2 		32'1
9.9 m1 		32' 5"3
Height 9' 10"2
3 m2 		10'1
3 m1 		10'3
Wing area   280 ft2 1
26 m2 1 		 
Weight      
Empty   2,046 lb1, 2,050 lb2
930 kg1,2 		 
Loaded   2,910 lb2, 2,915 lb1
1,320 kg2, 1,325 kg1 		2,910 lb3
Performance      
Speed   108 mph1, 109 mph2
175 kph1,2 		109 mph3
Cruising speed   60 - 80 mph2
97 - 129 kph2 		 
Minimum speed   32 mph2
51 kph2 		 
Climb      
Service ceiling   22,300'1
6,800 m1 		17,061'3
Range   236 miles2, 239 miles1
380 km2, 385 km1 		240 miles3
Maximum range   600 miles2
965 km2 		 
Takeoff run   213'2
65 m2 		 
Landing roll   61'2
19 m2 		 
Armament     1: MG3
Cockpit rear 1: 7.9 mm MG2 1: 7.92 MG 151  
Ammunition   4: 75 round magazines1  

Sources:

  1. Aircraft of WWII, General Editor: Jim Winchester, 2004
  2. Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
  3. World War II Airplanes Volume 1, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
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