Heinkel He 72 Kadett
| Company type | Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founded | 1933 |
| Products | Single-engine biplane trainer aircraft |
The Heinkel He 72 Kadett (meaning Cadet) was a German single-engine biplane trainer developed during the 1930s. Pilots often nicknamed it the Zitterrochen (translated as Quivering Ray) due to its pronounced vibrations during flight.
Development
Conceived in 1933 to satisfy a formal requirement for a fundamental training aircraft, the Kadett featured a single-bay biplane design constructed with metal framing covered in fabric. It incorporated open cockpits, staggered wings, a strut-supported tail assembly, and fixed tailskid landing gear. The prototype was equipped with a 104 kW (139 hp) Argus As 8B air-cooled inline engine.
The initial production variant, designated He 72A, initially utilized the As 8B powerplant; however, subsequent units were fitted with an upgraded 112 kW (150 hp) As 8R engine. The He 72A was later replaced by the He 72B, which became the predominant version produced. This model employed a 120 kW (160 bhp) Siemens-Halske Sh 14A radial engine.
Within the He 72B series, there were several configurations: the He 72B-1 served as the standard landplane, while the He 72BW Seekadett ("Sea Cadet") was developed as a twin-float seaplane variant. Additionally, a civilian version named the He 72B-3 Edelkadett ("Noble Cadet") was produced.
Operational history
Prior to the establishment of the Luftwaffe, the Kadett was operated by the National Socialist Flyers Corps. It subsequently became the principal basic trainer aircraft within the Luftwaffe's inventory. The Slovak Air Force also employed this type in combat roles.
Variants
- He 72A Kadett : First production model.
- He 72B :
- He 72B-1 :
- He 72B-3 Edelkadett : Civilian adaptation of the He 72B-1; approximately 30 units built.
- He 72BW Seekadett : Twin-float seaplane prototype.
- He 172 - Variant of He 72B fitted with a NACA cowling; prototype only in 1934.
Operators
- Czechoslovak Air Force (postwar)
- Imperial Japanese Navy - single example
Specifications (He 72B)
See also
References
Bibliography
- Sinnhuber, Karl (2012). Salzburg To Stalingrad. UK: Milton Keynes. ISBN 9781471702228.
Further reading
- Wood, Tony; Gunston, Bill (1 November 1984). Hitler's Luftwaffe : a pictorial history and technical encyclopedia of Hitler's air power in World War II (2nd ed.). Chartwell Books. ISBN 978-0890097588.
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