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Focke-Achgelis Fa 225

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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

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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

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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

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References

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Citations
  1. ^ Lepage 2009, p.381
  2. ^ a b c Green 2010, p.337
  3. ^ Kay and Smith 2002, p.291
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.
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Media related to Focke-Achgelis Fa 225 at Wikimedia Commons