The Focke-Achgelis Fa330 Bachstelze is a type of rotary-wing kite. They were towed behind German Type IXD2 U-boats during World War II to allow a lookout to see further. About 200 were built by Weser Flugzeugbau. In mid-1942 the first Fa330 were produced by Weser Flugzeugbau and were tested aboard U-523. Test results were excellent and the Fa330 was cleared for operational use in the beginning of 1943.

Part of the temporary "Wings of the Eagle" display of Luftwaffe aircraft at the RAF Museum from November 1975 to June 1976. Allocated maintenance serial 8469M in February 1976. Stored at RAF Cardington. To RAFM Cosford for permanent display by 1980.

Unidentified Fa330A.

A powerless German observation autogyro from World War II. Used since 1942 on some type IX U-boats to increase the range of observation, only in waters where there was no significant activity of Allied aircraft (e.g. in the Indian Ocean). About a dozen machines of this type have been preserved, one of them is exhibited in the museum in Egeskov.

In the care of the Merseyside Aviation Society and on display as part of the Cranfield Pageant which followed on the back of the Business & Light Aviation Show. Reported as now with the Danmarks Flyvemuseum, at Egeskov Castle, Kvaerndrup, Denmark with serial reported as 60127.

Used by German Navy submarines as a spotter. Built in 1944, Acquired by the Museum in 1946. Current with the Science Museum store at Wroughton in 2022.

A manned un-powered 'rotor kite' that was towed behind a surfaced U-Boat to a height of nearly 400ft to enable them to sight shipping at a distance greater than would be achievable when on the surface or at periscope depth.

About 200 of these 1942 designed Giro-kites were built, designed to increase the view of observers on U-Boats. It could be quickly assembled or dismantled and stowed in a deck hatch. Towed at 17 mph they could attain an altitude of 400 feet from where the observer could see a radius of 25 miles as opposed to a mere 5 miles from the U boat deck

The Fa 330 rotor kite saw some operational use - imagine hovering over the ocean in this thing, on the lookout for enemy shipping and towed by a U-boat which will release you and dive at the first sign of danger!

About 200 of these 1942 designed Giro-kites were built, designed to increase the view of observers on U-Boats. It could be quickly assembled or dismantled and stowed in a deck hatch. Towed at 17 mph they could attain an altitude of 400 feet from where the observer could see a radius of 25 miles as opposed to a mere 5 miles from the U boat deck. This example has been fitted with wheels, possibly for training purposes.