About This Aircraft
The Focke-Achgelis Fa 330A-1 "Bachstelze" (Wagtail) was a peculiar German reconnaissance device used during World War II. It was an unpowered rotary-wing kite, or autogyro, designed for deployment from U-boats. Stored disassembled in a small container, it could be quickly assembled on the submarine's deck. Tethered by a steel cable, the Fa 330 was towed by the surfaced U-boat, using the relative airflow to spin its three-bladed rotor and generate lift. It would ascend to heights of around 200 metres, allowing the pilot to spot potential targets or threats from a much greater distance than was possible from the conning tower. This example, Wk. Nr. 100503, was captured by Allied forces and assigned the RAF museum accession number 8469M.