Heinkel He 56
| Industry | Aerospace, defense |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Nagoya , Japan |
| Products | Aircraft, including the Aichi E3A reconnaissance seaplane |
The Aichi E3A originated as the Heinkel HD 56, a reconnaissance seaplane developed in Germany to serve aboard warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy. In Japanese service, it was designated the Type 90-1 Reconnaissance Seaplane. This aircraft featured a conventional single-bay biplane configuration with staggered wings supported by N-shaped interplane struts. Both the pilot and the observer/gunner occupied tandem open cockpits.
Design and development
Aichi Tokei Denki commissioned Heinkel to design a reconnaissance seaplane for an Imperial Japanese Navy competition. Heinkel produced a single HD 56 prototype, which was evaluated against competitors including the Nakajima E4N and the Kawanishi E5K. In 1931, the Heinkel design was declared the winner, contingent upon Aichi resolving certain deficiencies, notably its limited operational range. Despite this, improved versions of the Nakajima and Kawanishi models eventually entered production, with Nakajima’s design manufactured in significantly larger quantities.
Aichi’s modifications to the HD 56 encompassed shortening both its length and wingspan, substituting the prototype’s Wright Whirlwind engine with a domestically-produced Hitachi Tempu, along with various detailed refinements. Flight testing took place in August 1931 at Nagoya, leading to its acceptance into service the following year. The E3A remained operational aboard Sendai class cruisers at the onset of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Specifications (E3A1)
Notes
References
- Mikesh, Robert C; Abe, Shorzoe (1990). Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books. ISBN 0-85177-840-2.
- Taylor, Michael J. H. (1989). Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. London: Studio Editions. p. 501.
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