Storch Model No. 4

Lippisch was Director of the Aeronautical Technology department of the Research Institute of the Rhön -Rossitten-Gesellschaft (RRG). This placed Lippisch in a position to pursue the development of tailless aircraft. Because of limited finances, large free flying models were used to test the effects of different airfoil sections on the longitudinal stability and torsional stress of swept-back wings.

The Model No. 4 had hinged end plates set at an outward angle for directional stability. The success of this model at the Rhön Contest (the national glider contest) of 1926 led to increased financial support, which allowed the development of a full-scale aircraft (the Storch).

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Schematic of Model No. 4

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Photo of Model No. 4. Note the outward angle of the end plates.