Born Grunbach, Germany, 24 January 1888. Designed,
constructed and flew his first aircraft while a student
at Stutgart Technical Institute in 1910. As chief
engineer for a major aircraft company in 1917-18
developed 30 successful designs. Formed the famed
Heinkel Aircraft Works in 1922, introducing a long
line of rugged high performance sport, civil and
military aircraft.
The late 1930s was his most fruitful period of
development - coupled engines driving a single
propellor, the first true rocket plane, the first
operational jet aircraft - with an engine of his own
design. The advanced aerodynamic efficiency of his
designs resulted in the conventionally powered
Heinkel 100 establishing a world speed record of
463.9 MPH in 1939, a record which stood for nearly
30 years. Died 30 January 1959.
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