Fi 156 "U"? ASW Version of the Storch?

[Seaplanes]

I managed to dig out some more info on these rare planes. The 1./706 (U) received the first two aircraft from E-Stelle Rechlin on 26. September 1940. The third and final aircraft came from F.d.Luft at Jever on 24. October the same year. The bomber training of all 16 pilots of both 1./706 (U) and 3./Bordfl.Erg.Staffel, was undertaken by Ing. Ballerstedt from Rechlin. Instruction was given in take-off and landings as well as very slow flight with and without the use of flaps at about 90 km.h. Normal handling of the aircraft caused no problems for thge pilots, and after a few flights all of them were in full command of the Fi 156C-2 (U).
The bombing training was also led by Ing. Ballerstedt. The dept charges were dropped against a floating target with the shape of a submarine with a length of 20 meters and a with of 7 meters. Each aircraft was "armed" with three 50 kg concrete dummy dept charges and dropped from about 200 m level either by diving from 450-500 meters or in level flight at about 90 km.h. Most successes were obtained by diving towards the target. The bombing practice caused no problems at all.

The three aircraft were equipped with the Fu.G. 17, an ultra short wave radio with a frequency between 42,15 and 47,75 Megahz. Each aircraft was also armed with a defensive MG 15 machine gun in flexible mount and operated from the rear seat. The engines were Argus As 10M-1.

After two operations flown on 16. and 23. November, the Staffelkapitän of 1./706 (U), v. Blessingh, issued a report to Fliegerführer Ost. The report was not particularly favourable. During these two operations flights were made in altiotudes from 10 to 1000 meters and all areas as instructed were controlled. No mines or other objects were observed. Although the Fi 156 was a good observation platform, the conditions had to be absolutely calm sea, clear skies and sunshine from the correct angle. As weather conditions around Denmark only rarely was like this, the use of the Fi 156C-2 (U) was very limited. The planes initially operated from a small grass strip near Aalborg-See seaplane station, but they moved to Aalborg-Ost on the 20. November 1940 the ease maintenance of the planes. V. Blessingh concluded that in spite of the operational problems, the trials with these aircraft would continue. All three planes were on strength with 1.706 (U) as late as November 1941.