|
Incredible looking with its long spindly undercarriage
and high aspect ratio wings, the Fieseler Storch was one of the most
unusual aircraft of World War II. The Storch has an amazing low speed
capability and served as reconnaissance, liaison and ambulance aircraft.
Given favourable weather it can almost hover stationary, an extraordinary feat
for any aeroplane. It's most famous uses were as a personal transport for
Field Marshall Rommel and for the mountain rescue of the Italian dictator
Mussolini
This particular example W.Nr.1827,
registered G-BPHZ constructed in France in 1942 was originally fitted with an
Argus inverted V8 engine. Post war it was used by the French Armee de
L'Air, designated an MS 500 Criquet. After its military use it
was re-engined with a Jacobs radial becoming a MS 505
Criquet and used for glider towing before being bought to the UK in 1988.
It joined the Historic Aircraft Collection in 2002.
An original Argus V8 engine has been acquired, together with its
propeller and some of its accessories and it is planned to convert the aircraft
back to its original MS 500 specification. If anyone has any of these specialist
parts that would help us with the conversion we would be delighted to hear from
you. We are especially seeking MS 500 manuals.
The Storch takes part
in the "The last dogfight on
the Western Front" re-enactment with its sparring
partner, the L4 Grasshopper.
Fieseler Storch
G-BPHZ is on permanent display in Hangar 4 at the
Imperial War Museum, Duxford.
Click
here to download a PDF datasheet for the Storch
|
