Heinkel HE178

The HE178 was the world's first turbojet aircraft, developed as a private venture by Ernst Heinkel to test Hans Von Hain's new turbojet powerplant, It first flew on the 27th August 1939 at Marienehe, piloted by Erich Warsitz, Two were built although only the first (V1) ever flew.



The aircraft had an aluminium fuselage, wooden wings and retractable undercarriage (locked down for the early test flights), seriously underpowered, it elicited little official interest as many 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 Gloster E28/39 Pioneer. 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.


Specifications (V1)
Engine
Wing Span
Length
Empty Weight
Loaded Weight
Max Speed
Armament 		One Heinkel HE S3B 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).

Modelling the HE-178

The HE-178 V1 is available as an injection moulded kit from Condor. 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