Fieseler
Fieseler F 4
The Fieseler F 4 was a modest yet pivotal light aircraft produced by the German firm Fieseler in the early 1930s. Conceived as a two‑seat sport‑trainer, the F 4 first flew in 1931 and entered limited production the following year. Its low‑wing, cantilever monoplane layout combined a wooden frame with fabric covering, while the forward fuselage employed a steel tube truss for added rigidity. Powered by a 105 hp Hirth HM 504 four‑cylinder inverted‑air‑cooled engine, the aircraft achieved a maximum speed of 170 km h⁻¹, a service ceiling of 4 500 m and a range of roughly 500 km, making it suitable for both basic pilot instruction and recreational touring.
Key features included a spacious side‑by‑side cockpit with dual controls, split‑flap airbrakes for improved descent control, and a simple fixed‑gear undercarriage with a shock‑absorbing oleo strut. The F 4’s responsive handling earned praise from flight schools, and its straightforward construction kept operating costs low.
Although only a few dozen were built, the F 4 was significant because it provided Fieseler with valuable experience in light‑aircraft engineering that later informed the iconic Fi 156 Storch and the company’s wartime V‑1 program. Its legacy endures as an early example of German innovation in civil aviation.
Key features included a spacious side‑by‑side cockpit with dual controls, split‑flap airbrakes for improved descent control, and a simple fixed‑gear undercarriage with a shock‑absorbing oleo strut. The F 4’s responsive handling earned praise from flight schools, and its straightforward construction kept operating costs low.
Although only a few dozen were built, the F 4 was significant because it provided Fieseler with valuable experience in light‑aircraft engineering that later informed the iconic Fi 156 Storch and the company’s wartime V‑1 program. Its legacy endures as an early example of German innovation in civil aviation.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 2
- First Flight
- 1932
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Fieseler
- Wikidata ID
- Q1411709