Heinkel He 111

The Heinkel He 111 was a German twin‑engine medium bomber that became one of the most recognizable aircraft of World II. Designed by Siegfried and Walter Günter at Heinkel Flugzeugwerke, it first flew on 24 May 1935 and entered service with the Luftwaffe in 1936. Originally conceived as a civilian airliner, the He 111’s sleek, glazed nose and low‑wing monoplane layout gave it a modern appearance that was later adapted for military use. Powered by two Junkers Jumo 211 or BMW 132 radial engines, it could carry up to 2,000 kg of bombs and achieve a maximum speed of about 440 km/h. Throughout the early war years, the He 111 formed the backbone of German strategic bombing, participating in the Blitz over Britain, the invasion of Poland, and the Battle of the Atlantic. Its relatively long range and flexible payload made it valuable for both conventional bombing and maritime patrol. Though superseded by newer types such as the Ju 88 and the Arado Ar 234, the He 111’s durability and ease of maintenance left a lasting impact on bomber design, illustrating the transition from piston‑engine to jet‑age concepts. It remained in service with secondary roles until the late 1940s, demonstrating the type's adaptability.

Heinkel

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