Focke-Achgelis Fa 330

5 days ago 5

Operational history

← Previous revision Revision as of 09:29, 5 July 2025
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U-boats that deployed Fa 330 kites included at least ''U-177'', {{GS|U-181||2}}, and ''U-852''. Otto Giese wrote, "Our boat was rigged with a ''Bachstelze''. This was a small, single, piloted helicopter attached to a 150 metre long steel cable and lifted into the air by the speed of the boat while the cable was gradually reeled out. From his position aloft, the pilot had a 360-degree view and could report any vessels."<ref name=Giese>Giese, O., 1994, Shooting the War, Annapolis: United States Naval Institute, {{ISBN|1557503079}}</ref>{{rp|183–184}} On ''U-181'', the FA 330 broke down and was lost on its first attempt to fly.{{Sfn|Paterson|2016|p=211}}
U-boats that deployed Fa 330 kites included at least ''U-177'', {{GS|U-181||2}}, and ''U-852''. Otto Giese wrote, "Our boat was rigged with a ''Bachstelze''. This was a small, single, piloted helicopter attached to a 150 metre long steel cable and lifted into the air by the speed of the boat while the cable was gradually reeled out. From his position aloft, the pilot had a 360-degree view and could report any vessels."<ref name=Giese>Giese, O., 1994, Shooting the War, Annapolis: United States Naval Institute, {{ISBN|1557503079}}</ref>{{rp|183–184}} On ''U-181'', the FA 330 broke down and was lost on its first attempt to fly.{{Sfn|Paterson|2016|p=211}}

In June 1944, {{GS|U-862||2}} used its FA 330 to navigate through [[Denmark Strait]] in thick fog. The FA 330 was able to lift above the fog and direct the U-boat to the Atlantic.{{Sfn|Paterson|2016|pp=221-222}}


==Legacy and influence==
==Legacy and influence==
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