Henschel Hs 130

History of the Henschel Hs 130

During World War II, the Henschel company sought to interest the Luftwaffe in its aircraft programs, including the Hs 130, a high-altitude twin-engine aircraft. However, the project faced developmental challenges, resulting in only prototypes and pre-production models being produced. The Hs 130A, a long-range reconnaissance aircraft, showed promise but had limitations and required further development.

The Hs 130C was proposed as a fast bomber with a redesigned interior compartment for carrying bombs instead of reconnaissance equipment. It featured twin BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines but did not progress beyond the prototype stage. The Hs 130D and Hs 130E variants also faced difficulties and did not enter production.

The Hs 130E-0 demonstrated potential as a reconnaissance aircraft with a top speed of 380 mph and a range of 1,860 miles. However, ongoing issues with the supercharger led to the cancellation of a planned operational version. Ultimately, the Hs 130 project did not achieve significant success during the war, and the German aviation industry shifted its focus to fighter and attack aircraft types due to resource limitations and the emergence of turbojets.

Specification

Basics

Year of Service: 1939

Origins: Nazi Germany

Statu: Development ended.

Crew: 3

Production: 18

Manufacturer: Henschel - Nazi Germany

Operator: Nazi Germany

Roles

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

X-Plane (development, prototyping, tech demos)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 72. 2 feet (22.00m)

Width/span: 108. 3 feet (33.00m)

Height: 18.4 feet (5.60m)

Cured weight: 26,896 lbs (12,200 kg)

MTOW: 39,981 lbs (18,135 kg)

Wgt Difference: +13,084 lbs (+5,935 kg)

Performance

Installed: 2 x Daimler-Benz DB603B V-12 (inverted) liquid-cooled inline-piston engines rated at 1,730 hp each; 1 x Daimler-Benz DB605T V-12 (inverted) liquid-cooled inline-piston engine rated at 1,455 hp .

Maximum speed: 379 km/h (610 km/h | 329 kn)

Maximum rate of climb: 49,541 feet (15,100 m | 9 km)

Area: 1,864 km (3,000 km | 5,556 nautical miles)

VARIANTS

Hs 130A - Three prototypes debuted in May 1940.

Hs 130A-0 - Five pre-production examples from 1941; DB601R engine installed.

Hs 130A-0/U6 - 1943 model; increased wingspan; DB605B engine; no power booster; larger fuel tank range.

Hs 130B - It is recommended to use an internal bomb bay instead of a reconnaissance bay for marking.

Hs 130C - "Bomber B" item sheet (recommended); reduced wingspan; remotely controlled defense weapons program; suggested bomb load up to 8,800 lbs.

Hs 130E - Revised Hs 130A design; DB605T installed as third engine for supercharger performance; nose extended to change center of gravity; fuel tank mounted under wing; three examples complete.

Hs 130E V1 - E-type prototype of September 1942. Hs 130E V2 - E-type prototype of November 1942.

Hs 130E-0 - Pre-production E-type form; seven copies ordered; first flight in May 1943.

Hs 130E-1 - E-type production form; order of 100 pieces; remote-controlled defensive armor system; underwing bomb support; order cancelled.

Hs 130F - Production form for correcting problems on E models with HZ-Anlage supercharger system (using 4 supercharged BMW801 engines).