Storch fi 156
The Fieseler Fi 156 Storch was one of the most remarkable and unique aircraft of World War II. Renowned for its exceptional short takeoff and landing capabilities, the Storch (meaning “Stork” in German) played a significant role in various missions throughout the war. Its high-wing monoplane design, long landing gear legs, and slow-flight performance made it instantly recognizable and widely respected, even by the Allies.
The Fi 156 was designed by Gerhard Fieseler, a former World War I fighter ace and aerobatic pilot, whose company, Fieseler Flugzeugbau, was based in Kassel, Germany. In 1935, the German Air Ministry issued a requirement for a new liaison and observation aircraft that could operate from short and rough airstrips. Fieseler's team, led by chief engineer Reinhold Mewes, developed the prototype Fi 156 with a focus on extreme STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) performance, an area Fieseler had a deep understanding of due to his aerobatics background.
The aircraft's design reflected its specialized role. It had a high-wing configuration for good visibility and stability, a wide-track fixed undercarriage with long-stroke shock absorbers to handle rough terrain, and leading-edge slats combined with large, slotted flaps that allowed it to fly at incredibly low speeds. The Storch could take off in as little as 65 meters (about 213 feet) and land in under 20 meters (65 feet) under favorable conditions. This performance was practically unmatched at the time and made it ideal for reconnaissance, medical evacuation, artillery spotting, and even covert operations.
The Fi 156 was powered by an Argus As 10 air-cooled V8 engine producing around 240 horsepower. While modest in power, this engine was sufficient given the aircraft's light weight and aerodynamic efficiency. The Storch typically had a crew of two or three—pilot, observer, and sometimes a third seat for a wounded soldier or a VIP passenger.
Production of the Fi 156 began in 1937, with the Fieseler factory initially building the aircraft. As demand increased, particularly during the war, production was extended to other facilities, including the Morane-Saulnier plant in occupied France and the Mraz factory in Czechoslovakia. In total, over 2,800 Storchs were built between 1937 and 1945, with various models introduced during that time. These included the Fi 156C, which was the most common version used for liaison and reconnaissance, and the Fi 156D, designed specifically for medical evacuation with space for a stretcher.
The Storch served on all fronts of the war, from the deserts of North Africa to the forests of Eastern Europe. One of its most famous missions occurred in 1943 when a Storch was used to rescue deposed Italian dictator Benito Mussolini from his mountain-top prison at Gran Sasso. The mission, led by German paratroopers and SS commandos under Otto Skorzeny, ended with the dramatic landing and takeoff of a Storch on a narrow, rocky plateau—a feat that solidified the aircraft’s legendary reputation.
Beyond reconnaissance and rescue, the Storch was frequently used for artillery observation, command transport, and even courier duties. Its ability to operate from unprepared fields made it invaluable in rapidly changing frontlines, and many German field marshals, including Erwin Rommel, used the Storch as a personal transport. Despite being lightly armed—usually with a single rear-mounted MG 15 machine gun for defense—it was rarely intercepted due to its ability to fly at low altitudes and at very slow speeds, sometimes slower than a chasing fighter's stall speed.
A unique feature of the Fi 156 was its foldable wings. The wings could be swung back along the fuselage, greatly reducing the aircraft’s width for easy transport by truck or rail. This made it even more versatile in field conditions, as the aircraft could be moved quickly without the need for prepared airfields or large hangars. The folding mechanism involved hinged struts and locking devices that allowed for quick deployment or stowing, which was particularly valuable in mobile wartime operations.
Though largely obsolete by the end of the war due to advances in aircraft design and the changing nature of battlefield mobility, the Storch left a lasting legacy. Its design influenced later STOL aircraft, and post-war, various countries used captured or license-built versions for civilian and military purposes. Even the Allies recognized the Storch’s utility—one was famously used by Field Marshal Montgomery during the post-war occupation of Germany.
The Fieseler Fi 156 Storch remains a fascinating example of how specialized design and clever engineering can create an aircraft that excels in roles far beyond its size and power. Its combination of agility, simplicity, and ruggedness made it an invaluable tool for the German military
