MSFS Fieseler Fi 156 Storch

Expert Overview

This free add-on seamlessly brings the WWII-era Fieseler Fi 156 Storch into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and 2024, capturing its distinctive short takeoff and landing prowess with surprising accuracy. In my decades of PC flight simulation, I’ve rarely seen a mod replicate slow-flight handling this well—everything from its elevated landing gear to the Argus As 10 engine performance reflects the legendary ability of the Storch to operate from the shortest and most rugged airstrips.

Built on a collaborative framework, this package features carefully refined aerodynamics, realistic panel lighting, VR enhancements, and even an optional machine gun toggle for historical immersion. My tests confirm that its stall characteristics, STOL behavior, and numerous cockpit animations remain faithful to the real aircraft, showcasing excellent handling across a broad range of conditions. Though certain MSFS 2024-specific elements will mature further, the current release offers a thoroughly engaging experience for warbird enthusiasts and bush flyers seeking an iconic aviation piece.

This mod was installed, tested and reviewed by Adam McEnroe for Fly Away Simulation. Adam is an FS mod expert. Read his bio here.

This fully realized Fieseler Fi 156 Storch package brings an authentic WWII-era short takeoff and landing aircraft into modern iterations of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Developed by flyndive and originally built upon the generous groundwork laid by FSAddon, it offers precise modeling of the Fi 156’s unique geometry, slow-flight handling, and remarkable STOL characteristics. This freeware release is available for both MSFS 2020 and 2024. While certain 2024 features remain in development, users can still enjoy the majority of its core enhancements today.

Historical and Structural Background

The Fieseler Fi 156 first rose to prominence as a German reconnaissance platform in WWII, prized for its ability to operate from tiny fields. It achieved this agility through an advanced airframe design that employed high-mounted wings, prominent slats on the leading edge, and oversized trailing-edge flaps. One Argus As 10 inverted piston engine powered this agile machine, generating enough thrust to sustain near-hover flight in energetic headwinds. Its unique undercarriage, with tall landing legs and pronounced oleo damping, allowed stable landings even on uneven, unprepared terrain.

Key Airframe Proportions

• Crew: 2
• Length: 9.91 m
• Wingspan: 14.25 m
• Height: 3.05 m
• Wing Area: 26 m²
• Empty Weight: 930 kg
• Gross Weight: 1,324 kg
• Engine: One Argus As 10 (V-8, air-cooled, approx. 240 hp)
• Propellers: 2-blade assembly

Performance Data

• Maximum Speed: ~175 km/h at sea level
• Recommended Cruise: ~130 km/h (economical)
• Stall Speed: Around 40 km/h
• Operational Range: ~390 km at moderate altitude
• Ceiling: ~4,600 m
• Climb Rate: ~4.60 m/s

A light defensive gun (MG 15) was historically fitted but is non-functional in this recreation. Nevertheless, the cockpit includes a switch to toggle its visibility.

Authentic Conversion for Microsoft Flight Simulator

This release is a comprehensive adaptation of the original FSAddon model, updated extensively for MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024. Multiple flight characteristics leverage the contemporary aerodynamics engine in Microsoft Flight Simulator, although complexities inherent to detailed CFD systems may introduce slight discrepancies compared to the aircraft’s real-world behavior. The essential charm of its STOL performance, however, remains faithfully captured.

Collaboration and Legacy

This project draws on earlier work by Rara-Avis-Sims and Stef T-Bird, who performed the initial Microsoft Flight Simulator X conversion. Refinements to the flight and fuel systems were guided by The Flying Freja, and further improvements were shaped by feedback from RogueTurtleDepot, PapaMeesh, Crispalmer, Clockstopper, and Annov. Each contributor helped shape this current rendition to function seamlessly within modern simulators.

Installation and Compatibility

• Place the folder named flyndive-gfs-aircraft-msfs-storch into your MSFS Community folder.
• Ensure you remove or archive any older version first to avoid conflicts.
• While this edition runs in MSFS 2024, certain features specific to that simulator may be extended in future updates.

All required files for a stand-alone experience are enclosed. Liveries from the older “FSX Conversion | FSAddon’s Fieseler Storch Fi-156” package require adjustments to function properly in this newer iteration.

Notable Improvements Released in v2.4

• Added an aircraft collision mesh to prevent “walk-through” in MSFS 2024.
• Consolidated base entry in the MSFS 2024 aircraft directory. Variants and liveries now appear under one central listing.
• Revised external lighting across all variants for enhanced visibility in both MSFS 2020 and MSFS 2024.
• Incorporated dedicated panel collision meshes for an improved VR experience.
• Removed duplicate tablet element from the Tundra version.
• Reduced engine vibrations at idle throttle settings.
• Corrected camera perspectives.
• Known limitation in MSFS 2024: pilot and co-pilot figures are not currently rendered (Asobo bug).

Earlier Revisions

v2.3

• Rectified windshield rain effect directions.
• Introduced glass textures for gauge faces.
• Enabled additional cockpit animations.

v2.2

• Enhanced engine audio fidelity.
• Added an under-panel door animation for radio panel access.
• Implemented a toggle to show or conceal the optional machine gun.
• Incorporated panel instrument lighting (new cockpit switch provided).
• Improved glareshield lighting nuances.

v2.1

• Integrated functional panel and compass lights via clickable light fixtures.
• Boosted overall cabin illumination.
• Aligned initial VR camera position properly.
• Corrected exterior lighting attachment points on wings and surfaces.
• Refined stall alert audio.
• Prevented ground looping during start-up animations.
• Upgraded propeller texture on the wheeled model.

v2.0

• Flight model refined for more realistic low-speed and high-lift behaviors.
• Adjusted flaps, stall speeds, center of gravity, and drag values to mirror the real Fi 156.
• Engine performance configured to replicate Argus AS 10 output curves, matching idle and max RPM specs.
• Revised fuel system to accommodate left/right tank simulation with appropriate consumption rates.
• Corrected placement of cockpit magneto switches.
• Upgraded cabin emissive textures, interior surfaces, windshield, and glass details.
• Introduced a basic stall warning system (it may be hypersensitive at slower airspeeds).
• Added animations for cabin vents, side window vents, and a flare box, plus start-up smoke and heat blur effects.
• No true onboard radio in the real Storch, but 3rd-party avionics can be powered via the battery switch.

v1.0

• VR-compatible model with Tundra and standard landing gear options.
• Functional cold-and-dark start sequence and interactive switches.
• Surface lighting, pilot/co-pilot models, glass windshields, and dynamic ground/water effects.
• Wings fold/unfold via a mapped control (Wing Fold binding).
• Doors, cowlings, and cockpit elements toggle through simple clicks.
• Upgraded texture sets to utilize MSFS PBR materials.

Pending Updates

• Implement parking brake set to “ON” for runway starts.
• Revise HUD airspeed and fuel indicators.

Usage and Distribution

This aircraft is offered exclusively as freeware. It may be modified for personal use, but any redistribution—modified or otherwise—requires explicit authorization. Under no circumstance may it be used for commercial gain. The entire collaboration is credited to flyndive and the original developers, including FSAddon, Rara-Avis-Sims, and Stef T-Bird, with programming refinements and testing by The Flying Freja, RogueTurtleDepot, PapaMeesh, Crispalmer, Clockstopper, and Annov.

Created by flyndive and officially cleared for publication on Fly Away Simulation. Enjoy exploring the graceful handling and rugged adaptability of this storied liaison aircraft within your preferred Microsoft Flight Simulator environment.