|
|
The Fieseler Fr 156C was the main production version of the Storch, and initially differed from the A series in having the ability to carry a single aft-firing 7.9mm MG15 machine gun.
C-0
The C-0 was the pre-production version of the C series. The rear of the cockpit glazing was raised, and a circular lens mounting was added, capably of carrying a single 7.9mm MG15 machine gun.
C-1
The Fi 156C-1 was the first production version of the C series, and lacked the machine gun. Instead it was a standard 3-seat unarmed staff transport and liaison aircraft, similar to the A-1.
C-2
The C-2 was the first production version of the Storch to carry the machine gun as standard. It normally carried a crew of two - pilot and gunner/ observer, but also had a seat for a third crew member. The C-2 could also carry a vertical camera in the rear of the cockpit in place of the third crew member. Late production aircraft could carry a stretch in the rear, and had the capacity to use skies in place of wheels.
C-3
The C-3 was a multi-purpose version of the aircraft, with all of the features introduced during the production run of the C-2. Late production aircraft used a more powerful 270hp Argus As 10P engine.
C-3/ Trop
The C-3/ Trop was produced for use in the deserts of North Africa and the dusty steppes of Southern Russia. The machine gun was removed, internal dust filters were installed and a desert survival kit was carried. The C-3/ Trop and C-5/ Trop were the most common versions found in RAF service.
C-4
Not used
C-5
The C-5 has the 270 Argus As 10P engine as standard. It could also carry a 22 gallon drop tank under the fuselage, extending its range from 248 miles to 628 miles. It was used extensively in North Africa, where that extra range was invaluable.
C-5/ Trop
The C-5/ Trop was the tropical version for the C-5, with internal dust filters and desert survival equipment.
Fi 156C-2
Engine: Argus As 10C-3 eight cylinder air-cooled
Power: 240hp
Crew: 3
Wing span: 46ft 9in
Length: 32ft 6in
Height: 10ft
Empty Weight: 2,050lb
Loaded Weight: 2,920lb
Max Speed: 109mph at sea level
Cruising Speed: 81mph or 93mph at 3,280ft
Climb rate: 905ft/ minute
Service Ceiling: 15,090ft
Range: 248 miles at 93 mph at 3,280ft
Armament: One flexibly mounted 7.9mm MG 15 in rear of cabin
Aircraft of the Luftwaffe 1935-1945, Jean-Denis G.G. Lepage.
Combines a good background history of the Luftwaffe with a comprehensive examination of its aircraft, from the biplanes of the mid 1930s to the main wartime aircraft and on to the seemingly unending range of experimental designs that wasted so much effort towards the end of the war. A useful general guide that provides an impressively wide range of information on almost every element of the Luftwaffe
(Read Full Review)
