Heinkel HD 55
Heinkel · Germany · first flew 1930 · light aircraft
The Heinkel HD 55 was a German two-seat biplane floatplane developed in the late 1920s, used for training and patrol duties. It was one of several Heinkel seaplane designs of the interwar period.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.35 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- German interwar two-seat biplane floatplane
- Single radial engine with twin floats
- High-wing sesquiplane or equal-span biplane configuration
A conventional biplane floatplane with a single radial engine, twin floats, and open cockpit seating — typical of Heinkel's interwar seaplane designs.
Specifications
- The Heinkel HD 55 has a length of 10.35 m (34 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14 m (46 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 194 km/h (121 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Produced by Heinkel in the late 1920s, the HD 55 served as a maritime trainer and patrol floatplane. Several examples were built and exported to various operators. Heinkel was a prolific manufacturer of floatplanes during this era, supplying several foreign navies.
Variants
Minor variants were produced for different operators, with small differences in engine fit and equipment.
Where you'll see it
Operated by German and foreign naval aviation services during the early 1930s for training and coastal patrol.
Related aircraft
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