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Ernst Heinkel



Ernst Heinkel

Ernst Heinkel
ERNST HEINKEL
German Aeronautical Engineer - Industrialist
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.
Elected to the International Aerospace Hall of Fame 1981