Henschel Hs 126
Henschel & Sohn · Germany · first flew 1936 · light aircraft
The Henschel Hs 126 was a German single-engine high-wing monoplane used for army cooperation, reconnaissance, and artillery spotting throughout the early years of World War II.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.85 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- German parasol-wing army cooperation and observation aircraft
- Single radial engine under large high-mounted wing
- Tandem open cockpit with prominent rear observer position
A high parasol-wing monoplane with a large radial engine, tandem open cockpits, and fixed undercarriage; the wing is braced by V-struts from the fuselage sides; the deep fuselage and prominent rear gunner cockpit are characteristic.
Specifications
- The Henschel Hs 126 has a length of 10.85 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.5 m (48 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 355 km/h (221 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Entering service in 1938 and used during the Spanish Civil War, the Hs 126 was the Luftwaffe's standard army cooperation aircraft during the campaigns in Poland, France, and the early stages of Operation Barbarossa. It was progressively replaced by the Fw 189 from 1942.
Variants
The Hs 126A-1 and B-1 differed primarily in engine fit; both were used in similar roles.
Where you'll see it
Served with the Luftwaffe on all fronts from 1938 to 1943; a small number served with the Greek Air Force and other operators.
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