Storch Aviation SS-4 Storch
The Fieseler Fi 156 Storch ('Stork') was a German liaison and observation aircraft from the Second World War, famous for astonishingly short takeoff and landing performance — able to become airborne in a distance shorter than its own wingspan under the right conditions. Its long-travel, energy-absorbing landing gear legs let it land safely on extremely rough, improvised terrain that would damage most other aircraft. It's remembered in part for a daring 1943 mission in which one landed on a tiny mountaintop clearing to rescue a deposed Italian dictator. Modern reproductions, including several kit-built versions, keep the type's remarkable STOL performance flying today.
Did you know?
The Storch design is famous for extraordinarily short takeoff and landing distances, helped by long-travel, energy-absorbing landing gear built for rough, improvised airstrips.
Specifications
| Length | 9.9 m (32 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 14.3 m (47 ft) |
| Height | 3.1 m (10 ft) |
| Maximum passengers | 2 |
| Persons on board | 2 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 0.6 t |
| Range | 240 NM (444 km) |
| Maximum speed | 93 kt (172 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 17,100 ft (5,212 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 10,000 ft (3,048 m) |
| Rate of climb | 700 ft/min (3.6 m/s) |
| Fuel capacity | 90 l |
| Engines | Argus As 10C |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
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