Focke-Achgelis Fa 225
| Focke-Achgelis Fa 225 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Artist's impression of the Fa 225 | |
| Role | Assault glider |
| Manufacturer | Focke-Achgelis |
| First flight | 1942 |
| Number built | 1 |
| Developed from | DFS 230 |
The Focke-Achgelis Fa 225 was an experimental single-seat rotary wing glider built in Nazi Germany by Focke-Achgelis in 1942. Only a single example was constructed.
Design and development
[edit]In the first half of the Second World War, the DFS 230B assault glider was used primarily to land troops and supplies, but was found of limited capability as it needed a relatively large landing area. The Fa 225 was conceived to marry the rotor of the Focke-Achgelis Fa 223 with the fuselage of the DFS 230B, allowing the glider to land in 18 m or less.[1] The rotor was mounted on a framework of struts above the centre of gravity and strengthened long stroke undercarriage units were fitted either side and at the tail.[2]
Towed behind a Junkers Ju 52/3m, Carl Bode piloted the Fa 225 on its first flight in 1943.[3] Construction of the aircraft only took seven weeks, but series production was not proceeded with due to the relatively slow aero-towing speed and changes in operational doctrine.[2]
Specifications
[edit]Data from [2]
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Capacity: several paratroopers
- Length: 11.24 m (36 ft 11 in) fuselage only
- Max takeoff weight: 2,000 kg (4,409 lb)
- Main rotor diameter: 12 m (39 ft 4 in)
- Main rotor area: 113.1 m2 (1,217 sq ft)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 190 km/h (120 mph, 100 kn) during towing by Ju 52/3m
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- Citations
- Bibliography
- Green, William (2010). Aircraft of the Third Reich. Vol. 1 (1st ed.). London: Aerospace Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-900732-06-2.
- Kay, Antony L.; J. Richard Smith (2002). German Aircraft of the Second World War: Including Helicopters and Missiles. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 978-1557500106.
- Lepage, Jean-Denis G. G. (2009). Aircraft of the Luftwaffe, 1935-1945: An Illustrated Guide. Jefferson, NC: McFarland Books. ISBN 978-0786439379. Retrieved 2014-03-29.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Focke-Achgelis Fa 225 at Wikimedia Commons