Henschel Hs126 Reconnaissance Plane
The Henschel Hs126 was the most important German tactical reconnaissance aircraft of the Luftwaffe in the first part of the war. It was eventually superceded by a Messerschmitt . It was an unusual design, having a high wing with a parasol construction reminiscent of WWI aircraft. It carried a crew of two, pilot in the front and observer in the rear cockpit. Both cockpits were open. It first flew in 1936. Over 600 were built.
Technical Details
The Hs 126B-1 had a 660kW Bramo 323A-1 engine. Its maximum speed was a respectable 213 mph (355km/h). Its ceiling was 25,000 ft (8600m) and range was 432 mi (720km). It was armed with two 7.92 mm machine guns and could carry 330 lbs (150 kg) of bombs.
Canadian Aces Home Page
Image From:
Marshall Cavendish Illustrated Encyclopedia of World War II, vol 4.