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Henschel Hs 126

Type: Army Co-operation; later multi-role tactical
Origin: Henschel Flugzeugwerke AG, Schönefeld
Models: A and B
Production: 800+
First Flight: August 1936
Service Delivery: A-0: June 1937
Final Delivery: January 1941
Powerplant:
A-0: Bramo Fafnir 323A, 9-cyl. Radial
   Horsepower: 830hp
A-1: BMW 132Dc, 9-cyl. Radial
   Horsepower: 880hp
B: Bramo Fafnir 323A-2 or Q-2, 9-cyl. Radial
   Horsepower: 900hp

Dimensions:
Wing span: 14.50m (47 ft. 6¾ in.)
Wing Surface Area: N/A
Length: 10.85m (35 ft. 7¾ in.)
Height: 3.75m (12 ft. 3¾ in.)
Stabilizer Span: N/A

   Weights: (B-1)
Empty: 2032kg (4,480 lb.)
Loaded: 3270kg (7,209 lb.)
Performance:
Maximum Speed: 221 mph (355 kph)
Cruise Speed: N/A
Range (at sea level): 580km (360 miles)
Initial Climb: N/A
Service Ceiling: 27,070 ft. (8250m)

Armament:
One synchronized 7.92mm MG 17 above engine
One manually aimed 7.92mm MG 15 in rear cockpit

Bomb Load:
Up to 110lb (50kg) of bombs or extra fuel tank

Comments
A development of the Hs 122, the Hs 126 proved to be a reliable and strudy aircraft with excellent STOL capabilities. Much like it's contemporary, the British Lysander, the Hs 126 proved to be very versatile and served in variety of roles including light recon, bombing and utility roles. Most of these machines were deployed on the Eastern front with the remainder being deployed to the Balkans and North Africa. Eventually these machines were replaced by the Fw 189 and they were then used for towing. By 1944-45 the remaining 200 or so survivors were deployed to the Nachtschlacht (night ground attack) wings.

Sources:
Gunston, Bill & Wood, Tony - Hitler's Luftwaffe, 1977, Salamander Books Ltd., London
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