The Fieseler Fi 156 Storch was a German reconnaissance and liaison aircraft. It officially entered service with the Luftwaffe on July 15, 1937. It was one of many German military planes that was developed and put into operational status before World War II broke out. It first saw combat action during the Spanish Civil War, being flown by the Condor Legion pilots. It was also used by the Hungarian, Finnish, and Romanian Air Force. After the war, the French government kept producing them under the name of "the cricket".
Technical Characteristics
The Fieseler Fi 156 was a single-engine monoplane, which was fitted with straight wings mounted high over the fuselage and fixed by struts. The aircraft had fixed landing gear, with long stroke and shock absorbers. The hardened fabric fuselage was built over a rigid metal tube truss, reinforced with struts. The most outstanding quality featured by this light aircraft was the ability to take off and land in very confined spaces. The reason for this capacity was its full-span leading edge slats, as well as its slotted flaps and ailerons all along the trailing edge of the wing. It was also very maneuverable and easy to fly.
The Fi 156C-1 variant flying in the skies over France in June 1940
Versions
The Fieseler Fi 156A-1 was the first production version, which was powered by one 8-cylinder, inverted "V", Argus AS-10C piston engine, delivering 240 HP. The Fi 156A-3 was fitted with floats for marine reconnaissance instead of landing gear. The Fi 156C-1 was fitted with aerial camera for reconnaissance missions. The Fi 156C-3 had an upgraded powerplant: a 270 HP, Argus AS-10P-1 engine. The Fi 156C-5 was a modified version for anti-submarine warfare, capable of carrying three 55-kg bombs or light depth charges. The Fi 156D-0 was an ambulance aircraft. The Fi 156F-0 featured two MG-15 7.92mm machines guns and loudspeakers for psychological warfare.
Specifications
Type: Reconnaissance/liaison/ambulance
Length: 9.9 m
Height: 2.8 m
Wingspan: 14.25 m
Wing Area: 26 square meters
Weight (empty): 845 kg
Maximum Speed: 180 km/h
Range: 400 km
The Fieseler Fi 156A-0 taking off a Berlin airbase
The Fi 156 in 1937
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