Heinkel HD 44
Heinkel · Germany · first flew 1929 · transport aircraft
The Heinkel HD 44 was a light passenger-transport biplane prototype for the German aviation research establishment, the DVL, seating six passengers behind an open crew cockpit.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Biplane with an open crew cockpit ahead of a fully enclosed passenger cabin
- Single large inline engine in the nose
- Tail assembly distinct from the closely related HD 40
Look for the open crew cockpit ahead of a fully enclosed cabin, an unusual split between exposed pilots and sheltered passengers on a biplane of its size.
Specifications
- The Heinkel HD 44 has a length of 12.2 m (40 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 17.6 m (58 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 206 km/h (128 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in 1929 and powered by a BMW VI engine, the HD 44 was closely related to the earlier HD 40 but with a revised tail. The DVL abandoned its transport-aircraft plans before the type entered any kind of service, and the sole prototype was relegated to use as an engine testbed.
Variants
No production or passenger-service variant followed; it existed only as the one testbed airframe.
Where you'll see it
As a single research prototype, no HD 44 survives today.
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- Heinkel HD 43
- Heinkel He 42
- Heinkel HD 16
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- Consolidated Model 17 Fleetster
- Dornier Do K
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