Heinkel HE 1

Immagine: Wikimedia Commons

The HE 1 reconnaissance floatplane of 1923 marked the transition from hyphenated HD designations to the HE series. Measuring 12.7 metres long with an 18-metre span, it achieved 160 km/h and reflected early 1920s seaplane technology. The relatively modest performance emphasised stability and load-carrying capacity for photographic reconnaissance over tactical speed.