Heinkel HE 5

The Heinkel HE 5 was a German single‑engine reconnaissance floatplane designed by Ernst Heinkel’s company in the early 1920s. First flying in 1926, it was derived from the earlier HE 4 and built largely of wood with fabric covering, featuring a biplane wing layout and two main floats beneath a central fuselage pod. Powered by a 450‑horse‑power BMW VI liquid‑cooled V‑12 engine, the HE 5 could reach 200 km/h and had a range of roughly 800 km, allowing it to patrol coastal waters and conduct maritime observation duties. The aircraft entered service with the German Navy’s predecessor, the Reichsmarine, and was later exported to several foreign operators, most notably the Finnish Air Force, which used it extensively during the Winter War and Continuation War for maritime patrol and artillery spotting. Its robust construction and reliable engine made it well suited for the harsh Baltic climate. The HE 5’s success helped establish Heinkel’s reputation for building versatile seaplanes and contributed to the development of later naval aircraft such as the Heinkel He 115, cementing its place in interwar aviation history. A total of 53 units were produced, with most serving in the Baltic region, and its twin‑float arrangement provided excellent stability on rough seas.

Heinkel

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