Fieseler Storch
Serial Number:
VP746
Period:
WWII
Collection Ref: 1989/0315/AF
Location: RAF Museum Cosford, War Planes
Originally designed in 1935 to perform the roles of casualty
evacuation, army co-operation and liaison, the Storch (Stork) was noted
for its remarkable STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) performance.
Slots on the leading edge of the wing, and flaps extending along the full
length of the trailing edge, enabled the Storch to fly at speeds as low
as 51kph (32mph). The Luftwaffe operated the Storch in many theatres including
the Arctic, the Western Desert, the Eastern Front and in Europe.
Notable flights which made use of the Storch's ability to operate from
very small, unprepared airstrips include the rescue of Mussolini from
detention in a hotel in the Italian mountains and a flight into the centre
of Berlin made in the last days of the war carrying General von Greim
to a meeting with Hitler.
A total of 2549 examples were built during the war in Germany, France
and Czechoslovakia.
