Fw 56 Stösser

The Focke‑Wulf Fw 56 Stösser was a German single‑seat, low‑wing monoplane trainer introduced in the early 1930s. Designed by Kurt Tank, it first flew on 28 March 1933 and quickly entered service with the Luftwaffe as its primary elementary trainer. Built with a mixed steel‑tube fuselage and wooden wings covered in fabric, the aircraft was powered by a 240 hp Argus As 10C inverted V‑8 engine, giving it a top speed of about 210 km/h and a respectable climb rate that mimicked the handling of contemporary fighter types. Its fixed, spatted landing gear and generous cockpit visibility made it ideal for novice pilots transitioning from biplanes to modern monoplanes. Over 1,200 units were produced, and the Fw 56 saw extensive use in pilot schools, aerobatic units, and even as a liaison aircraft during the early years of World War II. Although soon superseded by more advanced trainers such as the Bücker Bü 131 and the Messerschmitt Bf 109 trainer variants, the Stösser’s straightforward construction, forgiving flight characteristics, and role in standardising monoplane training left a lasting imprint on German military aviation and on trainer design worldwide. Its robust airframe also allowed limited reconnaissance duties, and several examples survived the war to serve flying clubs well into the 1950s.

Focke-Wulf

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification