HD 44

The Heinkel HD 44 was a mid‑1930s twin‑engine transport prototype developed by the German aircraft manufacturer Heinkel to meet the Luftwaffe’s growing need for a fast, medium‑capacity cargo and personnel carrier. First flown in April 1936 at the company's Rostock‑Moisling airfield, the HD 44 combined a low‑wing monoplane layout with all‑metal stressed‑skin construction, a novelty for Heinkel at the time. Powered by two 650 hp BMW 132 radial engines mounted on the wing leading edges, the aircraft could reach a maximum speed of 350 km/h and carry up to twelve fully equipped troops or 1,800 kg of freight over a range of 1,200 km. Its spacious, centrally located cabin featured removable bulkheads, facilitating rapid re‑configuration between troop transport, medical evacuation, and light cargo roles. Though the prototype demonstrated excellent handling and a respectable climb rate, the Luftwaffe ultimately selected the larger Messerschmitt Me 323 for heavy transport duties, and the HD 44 never entered series production. Nevertheless, the design contributed valuable experience in high‑strength alloy construction and modular interior design, influencing later Heinkel projects such as the He 111 bomber and post‑war civil transports. Its legacy endures as a testament to Heinkel’s innovative spirit during the pre‑war era.

Heinkel

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