The HE178 although not a successful aircraft was the world's first turbojet aircraft. It was developed as a private venture by Ernst Heinkel to test Hans Von Hain's new turbojet powerplant. It first flew on the 24th August 1939. Although two prototypes were built only the first (the V1) ever flew.
The HE178 V1 was the first aircraft to fly powered by a turbojet engine, this took place on the
27th August 1939 at Marienehe, the pilot was Erich Warsitz. The aircraft had an aluminium fuselage
and wooden wings with retractable undercarriage although these were locked down for the early test
flights a practise which is still common today.
The HE178 suffered from a lack of power which meant that official interest was minimal as piston engine fighters already in service were faster than the unarmed HE178. It did however prove the viability of the turbojet in much the same way as the E28/39 did in England which was also unarmed. The HE178 V1 was sent to the Air Museum in Berlin following the end of test flights but was destroyed in an allied air raid in 1943.
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| Specifications (V1) | |
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Engine Wing Span Length Empty Weight Loaded Weight Max Speed Armament |
One Heinkel HE S 3B turbojet 7.2m (24') 7.48m (25') 1,560 kg (3,439 lbs) 1950 kg (4,400 lbs) 435 mph (700 kph) Not armed |
| The HE 3B turbojet initially only produced 992lbs (450kg) this was later improved to 1,102 lbs (500kg). | |
The HE-178 V1 is available as an injection moulded kit from CondorCondor. It is available in the UK from Hannants at £4.65 (August 2004). I haven't seen the kit yet but would welcome a review from anyone who has bought or built the kit
This page is a combination of information found on various web pages and information sources available. The images were not credite to any individual or group. If you have further information on the HE178 or have evidence that any of the information is not correct then please contact us.
