Storch VII
Since the Storch V had been damaged in a rough weather landing, a new aircraft
was constructed to try to win the "BZ" prize. The Storch VII was designed in conjunction with Günther Groenhoff, and differed from the V in several ways. The
wing was a cantilever wing with M-sections and a fixed center of pressure and a larger angle of sweep for improved longitudinal stability. A 20-hp Daimler-Benz
aviation engine was installed behind the cockpit. This proved to be underpowered, so it was replaced with a 24-hp engine. Difficulties with fuel starvation in flight lengthened the construction period to 21 months.
Just before the deadline for the "BZ" prize (the end of 1931) Gunther Groenhoff took off from the Wasserkuppe in adverse weather conditions, but managed to reach Berlin in 1 hour 55 minutes, averaging 145 km/h, winning the prize. Not bad for 24 horsepower!
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