Heinkel
Heinkel HD 38
The Heinkel HD 38 was a single‑engine, two‑seat biplane developed in the late 1920s by the German aircraft company Heinkel, primarily intended as a trainer and light reconnaissance aircraft for the emerging Luftwaffe. First flown in 1929, the HD 38 incorporated a compact wooden airframe covered with fabric, a welded steel tube fuselage and a fixed, split‑type landing gear. Powered by a 240 hp BMW VI V‑12 liquid‑cooled engine, it could reach a maximum speed of about 190 km/h and a service ceiling of 5,500 m, offering reliable performance for pilot instruction and short‑range scouting missions. Although only a small batch was produced—approximately 30 airframes—its straightforward construction and handling characteristics made it a valuable stepping stone in the transition from World War I biplanes to the more advanced monoplanes that would dominate the 1930s. The HD 38 also served as a testbed for aerodynamic refinements, such as staggered wings and improved control surfaces, influencing later Heinkel designs like the He 51. In retrospect, the aircraft’s modest role helped shape German tactical doctrine and contributed to the rapid expansion of the Luftwaffe’s training programme in the pre‑World War II era.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 12