HENSCHEL

Henschel und Sohn founded 1848 as major producer of locomotives. In 20th century added trucks, buses and machine tools. Discussed entering aviation, initially by abortive negotiations to take over ailing Junkers. Henschel Flugzeugwerke AG established 30 March 1933, initially Berlin-Johannisthal but late 1935 moving into large new factory at Berlin-Schönefeld. Produced Hs 121 fighter trainer, Hs 122 army co-op, Hs 123 dive-bomber, Hs 124 heavy multirole aircraft and Hs 125 advanced armed trainer, whilst building Ju 86 and Do 17 under licence. Chief types Hs 126 army co-op aircraft (over 600) and Hs 129 armoured anti-tank aircraft (879). Only 2 Hs 127 fast bombers were built, and 8-year effort on Hs 130 high-altitude bomber saw no reward. Hs 132 jet dive-bomber captured by Russians just before first flight. Henschel pioneered guided air/surface missiles, many hundreds being used 1943-5.

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