The Heinkel He 51 was a very maneuverable fighter aircraft used by the Luftwaffe in the Spanish Civil War. However, when World War II broke out, it was already an obsolete plane to keep playing the role of a front line fighter; therefore, during the war, it was relegated to carry out reconnaissance missions and also for training young pilots. It had been designed by Siegfried and Walter Günter, who were the chief engineers of Heinkel workshop in Rostock. Approximately a total of 850 aircraft were produced in different versions.
It had made its first flight, as the prototype He 49a, in December 1932. Mass production began in July 1934, being officially designated: He 51A-1. Meanwhile, the He 51B version was introduced in early 1936. It would be followed by the He 51B-1, 51B-2, and the 51C. The first ones were structurally strengthened variants, with lengthened fuselage. The 51C was produced for export. About 80 of them were shipped to fight in Spain as part of the Condor Legion.
Technical Characteristics
The Heinkel He 51 was single-seat, single engine biplane. The straight wings were joined by steel tube struts and the fuselage was steel air frame, with hardened plywood and canvas. It was fitted with fixed landing gear, except for the He 51A-2 variant, which had a pair of large floats for operations from the sea coast. It was powered by one 12-cylinder, inverted "V", BMW-VI 7.3Z piston engine, capable of putting out 750 horse power.
Below, the Heinkel He 51C in 1938, in Spain.
Specifications
Type: fighter/reconnaissance
Length: 8.40 m (27 ft, 6 in)
Wingspan: 11 m (36 ft, 1 in)
Wing Area: 27.2 sq. meters (292.79 sq ft)
Height: 3.2 m (10ft, 6in)
Maximum Speed: 330 km/h (205 mph), at sea level.
Range: 570 km
Crew: 1
Below, two Heinkel He 51Bs. Photos taken around 1936.
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