Heinkel HD 17

HD 17
Role	Reconnaissance aircraft
National origin	Germany
Manufacturer	Heinkel
First flight	1926
Primary user	Reichswehr

The Heinkel HD 17 was a military reconnaissance aircraft produced in Germany in the late 1920s. It was a conventional single-bay biplane with staggered wings of unequal span braced with N-type interplane struts. The pilot and observer sat in tandem, open cockpits, and the main units of the fixed, tailskid undercarriage were linked by a cross-axle. In 1926, it was evaluated by the Reichswehr to equip the secret aviation training school at Lipetsk, and was selected in favour of the competing Albatros L 65. Seven aircraft were purchased and used briefly for training until replaced by more modern designs.

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: Two, pilot and observer
• Length: 9.18 m (30 ft 1 in)
• Wingspan: 12.40 m (40 ft 8 in)
• Height: 3.60 m (11 ft 9 in)
• Wing area: 10.7 m² (438 ft²)
• Empty weight: 1,380 kg (3,040 lb)
• Gross weight: 2,200 kg (4,850 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Napier Lion XI, 334 kW (450 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 240 km/h (150 mph)
• Rate of climb: 4.8 m/s (940 ft/min)