Henschel Hs 124

Henschel & Sohn · Germany · first flew 1935 · bomber

The Henschel Hs 124 was a German twin-engine multi-seat heavy fighter and bomber prototype of the mid-1930s, built to compete for the Luftwaffe's Zerstörer (destroyer) requirement that was ultimately won by the Messerschmitt Bf 110.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• German twin-engine multi-role combat prototype of the mid-1930s
• Competing design in the specification that produced the Bf 110 heavy fighter
• BMW 132 or Jumo 210 engines in prominent wing nacelles

A mid-wing twin with prominent engine nacelles, a stepped glazed nose, mid-wing configuration, and conventional tail — similar to contemporaries competing for the same requirement.

Specifications

• The Henschel Hs 124 has a length of 14.5 m (48 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 18.2 m (60 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 435 km/h (270 mph).
• Typical crew: 3.

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

History

Developed by Henschel in 1935, the Hs 124 competed against the Focke-Wulf Fw 57 and Messerschmitt Bf 110 to meet the RLM's requirement for a strategic heavy fighter. The Messerschmitt entry won the competition decisively, and the Hs 124 programme was terminated after prototype evaluation. Henschel subsequently focused on ground-attack aircraft leading to the Hs 129.

Variants

Two prototypes with different engine fits were built — one with BMW 132s and one with Jumo 210s — but no production variants followed.

Where you'll see it

Never entered operational service; evaluated only by the RLM test establishment.

Related aircraft

• Henschel Hs 123
• Henschel Hs 121
• Henschel Hs 126
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