Heinkel He 115B-1

Heinkel · Germany · first flew 1937 · reconnaissance aircraft

The Heinkel He 115 was a twin-float seaplane used by the Luftwaffe as a torpedo bomber, minelayer and maritime reconnaissance aircraft throughout the Second World War. Its versatility and long range made it valuable in the North Sea and Arctic theatre.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	17.3 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Twin-float seaplane with twin radial engines
Glazed multi-frame nose for bombardier/observer
Broad mid-mounted wing with floats well outboard

Recognised by its large twin floats mounted well beneath the wings, the broad mid-wing planform, and the extensively glazed nose section housing the torpedo-aiming position.

Specifications

The Heinkel He 115B-1 has a length of 17.3 m (57 ft).
It has a wingspan of 22 m (72 ft).
Typical crew: 3.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1937, the He 115 entered Luftwaffe service in 1939. The B-1 variant introduced greater fuel capacity for extended range operations. He 115s were used extensively to lay mines in British coastal waters and to attack Allied convoys, and also served with Norway and Sweden before the war.

Variants

The He 115A was the initial production series; the B series had increased range; the C series introduced hardened armament; later variants appeared through the He 115E with various equipment changes.

Where you'll see it

Norwegian He 115s famously flew to Britain after the German invasion and were operated by the RAF on clandestine missions into occupied Norway; the type remained in Luftwaffe front-line service until 1944.

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