Hansa-Brandenburg W.32

The Hansa‑Brandenburg W.32 was a single‑engine, two‑seat biplane floatplane introduced in the final years of World War I and produced under the direction of aircraft pioneer Ernst Heinkel. Developed in 1918 as an evolution of the earlier W.29, the W.32 combined a reinforced wooden airframe with a streamlined plywood fuselage to improve durability in harsh marine environments. Power was supplied by a 220 hp Mercedes D.IVa inline engine, driving a two‑bladed wooden propeller and delivering a top speed of roughly 180 km/h (112 mph). Its wings featured a pronounced stagger and slight sweep, providing both lift and agility for reconnaissance and limited torpedo‑dropping missions. The aircraft’s twin float arrangement, equipped with water‑spray deflectors, allowed operation from coastal bases and seaplane carriers, extending Imperial German naval reach. Although only a small batch entered service before the armistice, the W.32 demonstrated the practicality of mass‑producing lightweight floatplanes and influenced later Heinkel designs such as the He 115 and He 59. Its blend of sturdy construction, respectable performance, and adaptability made the W.32 a noteworthy stepping stone in the evolution of naval aviation during the early twentieth century.

Ernst Heinkel

Hansa-Brandenburg W.32

Classification

Design & Classification