CLAW-2: Fiesler 167

[Fog_Heavy_Cruiser_Chokai]

 

CLAW-2: Fiesler 167

A 163 "Drawing"... I Ain't That Good, I Found It Online.

The Fiesler 167 was the first German torpedo bomber. Originally intended to serve upon the Graf Zeppelin, she was eventually replaced, even before the ship cancelled. The main problem she faced, however, was not slow speed. Nor was it being a biplane in a monoplane sky. No, even her single 7.92MM forward gun and 7.92MM rear gun was not her Achilles heel. Her main problem was simple: Even in 1939, with 16 of these beauties made, Germany made a grand total of FIVE aerial torpedoes, which were arguably of worse quality than the USN “dudorps”. Because of this, it is likely she was never destined to truly serve aboard the Graf Zeppelin, but she WOULD have an illustrious, if small, history.

 

Early production history of the Fiesler is… difficult to come by to say the least. It isn’t the 109, or 190, nor the Stuka. It didn’t leave a major mark on the world, despite its importance, and consequently little was recorded of it. Indeed, in total, only FOURTEEN of the planes were made- of these two were prototypes, and the remaining twelve were to be preproduction models- that is trainers and testbeds before a FULL production run. No examples even survive, but we do know some things.

 

Two of the earlier planes removed the lower wing and made it a “parasol” wing design, giving more room for landing gear. In addition, by jettisoning the landing gear the plane could essentially “float”. Due to a low cruise and “aloft” speed the plane was capable of making almost vertical landings, but not take offs.  All production was cancelled in 1940, after the first cancelation of the Graf Zeppelin, and nine of the planes were transferred to the Dutch.

One Of the Early Protoypes by an Unamed Test Pilot

Here is where history changes. In many occasions a plane like this would be shot down, no more would be made, and they would be lost to history. Not so with this beauty. The plane acted out a variety of roles, mainly reconnaissance. A report from a plane such as the 163 would give the location of British, and later American, ships. U-Boats and heavier attack planes would then pummel the hapless ships. There are no records of the actual missions, however this was their role as a “coastal reconnaissance plane.”

 

Eventually, they weren’t needed. The lion’s share of these “obsolete” planes were sold to Croatia (the German puppet state, at the time controlling most of prewar Yugoslavia). Croatia would use them to great effect. Instead of reconnaissance they would be loaded down with ammunition and other supplies, there low speed allowing them to sneak in and deliver to various holdouts throughout the nation. Operating almost as plane-helicopters they would fly, ever so slowly, to their destinations, often the ONLY means of resupply. In short, they did the less glamorous, but most important work. In addition, they proved themselves among the most versatile of the Axis’s aircraft, essentially a smaller, biplane version of the JU-88.

163 In fFight- Swastikas and Iron Crosses Removed.

All this being said, the plane was a veritable ace if in the right hands. Perhaps no aces flew it, but it got one of the last biplane kills in history, perhaps even THE LAST. And what was it against? Some bomber? Nope, not even close. Perhaps one of the most lopsided victories in aerial history occurred that day. Five North American Mustang III’s (these were the British Variants) attacked two (or one, depending on the source) Fi-163’s on a cargo mission. Faster, better armed, and more durable- they were no  match. The biplanes used there slow speed- they could go slow enough to force the Mustangs to stall- and turning radius to their advantage. Despite the light armament, a single Mustang III went down, with no loses on the Croatian side. No. 213 Squadron of the RAF, from whence these planes came, were, depending on the source, heavily (or not at all- war stories are ALL suspect) investigated as sabotage was expected. How else could the preeminent fighter in the skies of Europe be brought down by a lowly Torpedo-turned-Cargo plane? It would be akin to a Avenger or Devastator, laden with cargo, killing not a Zero or Oscar, but rather a Ki-84. Inconceivable!

 

Ultimately, the Fi-163 would be “replaced” on the Graf Zeppelin by the C variant of the Ju-87. This plane would not even carry torpedoes, as they were deemed non applicable in naval warfare.

Specifications

Maximum Speed:  202 MPH. (155 MPH Cruise Speed)

 

Analysis: Relatively slow, even by T5-6 standards. Don’t expect to reach ANYWHERE in a hurry.

 

Range: 808 With Cargo/Bomb, 932 Recon

 

Analysis: Means relatively nothing.

 

Armament: Onex 7.92 MM MG 17 Forward,& Onex7.92 MG15 Rear gunner

 

Analysis: At T4, this would  give it an “okay” rear gunner. Anywhere else, and both the caliber and age of the MG15 means you shouldn’t expect to kill anything, even if they chase you all match. And forward armament means… nothing- unless ship strafing is introduced. In which case even the Val is better as the MG17 was not very good.

 

K/D:  One confirmed kill, unknown losses. Most records lost.

Analysis: Means Nothing.

 

Additionals (Bomb/Torpedo Load, Rockets, Cargo, etc.): 4xSC50 Bombs with 1xSC250, OR 1xSC500 (~1000lbs, and 1100lbs, total, respectively). Rumored up to 2000lbs of cargo in a pinch, likely a lot less (again, with little concrete evidence, most can be chalked up to tall tales).

 

Analysis: This COULD be interesting. It was intended as a torper, and as one would be ordinary. But repurposed as a DB… well it could be balanced to carry a 500lb or 1000lb (that might be overkill…) or they could allow them to carry a variety of “light” bombs- simply put a squadron of 4 or 6 with 4xSC50 bombs each would do low alpha but would be GURANTEED some hits and fires. Naturally, they would not also get to carry the SC250 as was historical with a lot of lighter bombs. Overall... I don't know. I ain't a carrier ace, merely average at them and they are my least played class. I'm sure others have better ideas than me on this.

 

Overall Analysis: I have heard the Graf Zeppelin put anywhere from T6-8. This plane should not serve on it. For its time, it was great. It was unique. But a Stuka variant to something else would LIKELY be better. Versus Zeros, F4Fs, Vals, Kates, Dauntlesses, etc… it just couldn’t hold it own either in damage or health. In addition, it would likely not have too much health, as it was made “light”. On a hypothetical T4 or T5 however… it could be a fun, and unique, little bird- and I really hope to see it!

 

Additional Reading: http://www.warbirdsr.../LRG/fi167.html

 

[kerensky914]

Heck it looks like a Stuka variant.  Take a Ju-87 and strap a second wing on top and voila!

[Fog_Heavy_Cruiser_Chokai]

Heck it looks like a Stuka variant.  Take a Ju-87 and strap a second wing on top and voila!

Yeah they use a similar engine (167 used a DB601B, 87 used a Junkers Jumo 211D) Both engines are fairly similar, and were developed around the same time, with the airframe being essentially built around them.

[J30_Reinhardt]

That's my fav WW2 biplane in terms of looks. They had quite a few good lookin ones early on.

However, one must also mention its failed predecessor, the Arado Ar 195.

[Fog_Heavy_Cruiser_Chokai]

That's my fav WW2 biplane in terms of looks. They had quite a few good lookin ones early on.

However, one must also mention its failed predecessor, the Arado Ar 195.

It's beautiful, quiet long for a Biplane.

 

Indeed the AR-195 woulda been interesting. Shoulda talked about it, need to read up on it. The Ar 197 is my favorite bird in WoWP personally.

[Guest]

Excellent thread~! I found it to be interesting, and a rather good read! +1.