FD Aircraft 18

United States of America, Piper M350 (Updated)
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Heinkel He 116

Although looking like a mini-He 111, the He 116 was instead a multi-engined version of the He 70 "Blitz".

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Unfortunately the published history of the He 116 is mostly inaccurate, relying on old research that has since been superseded. This is what is currently known and is in disagreement with wikipedia.
In 1935 Lufthansa requested a trans-Atlantic mailplane, and Heinkel responded with an initial 3 prototypes. The V1 first flew on 9 December 1936, but with multiple engine failures causes by problems with the fuel system, the aircraft was ditched into the Baltic on that first flight. The airframe was undamaged, but the wings were written-off and replaced by those of the uncompleted V2. Once repaired the aircraft was given a civil registration and recommenced flight testing before being used by Lufthansa on the Berlin-Las Palmas route. The V2 soon joined it's older sibling, before it was crashed in 1938.
The V3 was retained by Heinkel, and modified for long-range record-breaking flights. Modified with an additional 2m wingspan and fitted with Walter take-off rocket units, the aircraft was designated as the He 116 R. The aircraft set a record staying airborne for 49hrs9min and flying 10,500km.
Japan also expressed an interest in the aircraft, and an additional 2 prototype aircraft were constructed for export.
With the start of WWII, the remaining V1 and V3 were transferred into Luftwaffe service.
In December 1938 construction began of the definitive He 119 A series reconnaissance aircraft, fitted with a glazed nose, but otherwise not significantly changed from the prototypes. A production run of 12 aircraft was completed for the Luftwaffe, but the concept of a long-range unarmed and unarmoured low-speed reconnaissance aircraft was unrealistic and there was no further production. The aircraft were not front-line aircraft, and spent their time performing duties only over friendly ground.

Another aircraft I was hoping to use in the AU, but a design that was already out-dated and uneconomic when completed for the trans-Atlantic service, potential Germano-Japanese communications or for military application.

Heinkel He 116 in Japanese service

Japan purchased 2 prototype He 116's in 1938, the only foreign customer for the aircraft.

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With it's excellent range capability, Japan expressed an early interest in the He 116 to operate in the east rather than the west. Two additional prototype aircraft were ordered from Heinkel and placed into service with Manchurian Air Transport operating between Manchuria and Japan. Hoping to link in with Lufthansa in a Berlin-Tokyo service, Japan entered into negotiations to purchase another 3 aircraft, but predicated on Lufthansa using the aircraft on that service. As no commitment was forthcoming the deal fell through with no further exports.
The 2 Japanese machines continued operating into the War, with flights being undertaken as far as Bangkok.

Very nice additions with the He 116, an aircraft which is relatively unknown today.

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Quote:

Very nice additions with the He 116

Agreed great job Sheep, perhaps some Polish stuff next? (Tanks mostly I know Eswube did some PZLs)

Open question for Gollevainen if they're listening, you've redone some of your old Soviet aircraft, planning on doing the Mig-25 and the production SU-27 family?

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Доброе утро, последний герой!

Great additions Everyone!

Aloysius wrote: *

October 9th, 2021, 6:23 pm

Perhaps some Polish stuff next? (Tanks mostly I know Eswube did some PZLs)

"SOME PZLs"...

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=3866

http://shipbucket.com/vehicles?category ... country=40

http://shipbucket.com/vehicles?category ... country=40

Basically all Poland's pre-1950 aircraft (incl. gliders) that could be done (in terms of sources) were done, same with post-1950 gliders and amateur aircraft and (unfortunately only) some "full-sized" stuff.