Henschel P.75

The Henschel P.75 was a late‑World‑War‑II prototype reconnaissance and light‑attack aircraft developed by the German firm Henschel & Sohn. Initiated in 1944, the project aimed to replace aging Messerschmitt Bf 109s with a more versatile, high‑performance platform capable of operating from rough forward airfields. The P.75 featured a low‑wing monoplane layout, an all‑metal stressed‑skin construction, and a retractable tricycle landing gear—unusual for German designs of the era. Power was supplied by an 1,500 hp Daimler‑Mercedes DB 603A‑2 liquid‑cooled V12 engine, driving a three‑blade propeller and delivering a top speed of roughly 750 km/h (466 mph). Its armament comprised two 20 mm MG 151 cannons in the wing roots and provisions for external stores, including small bombs or rockets, making it adaptable to both reconnaissance and ground‑support roles. Although the prototype flew successfully in early 1945, the collapse of the Nazi regime halted further development, and only a single airframe was completed. The P.75 remains significant as a testament to Henschel’s engineering ambition, illustrating the transition toward multirole aircraft that would shape post‑war aviation design philosophies.