Experimental Three-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane (Company designation HD 28)
Overview
In 1926, at the time ofacquiring the HD25 and HD26, Aichi imported from Heinkel an HD 28 three-scat long-range reconnaissance sea plane. This HD 28 was referred to as the Heinkel Three-scat Recon naissance Seaplane or Heinkel-2 Reconnaissance Seaplane.
The Heinkel HD 28 was an experimental long-range reconnaissance seaplane developed in Germany in 1926, later imported by Japan for testing. Known for its robust design, this aircraft featured significant endurance capabilities and was considered one of Heinkel’s most ambitious projects of the time. Although it did not meet all performance expectations due to engine issues and visibility limitations, its design heavily influenced Japanese reconnaissance seaplanes of later years.
Key Features:
- Role: Long-range reconnaissance seaplane
- Year Introduced: 1926
- Country of Origin: Germany
- Operators: Tested by Japanese Navy (imported from Heinkel)
- Crew: 3 (Pilot, Navigator, Gunner)
Design and Modifications
The HD 28 was structurally advanced for its era, incorporating a welded steel-tube fuselage with fabric covering and wire-braced wings for added durability and seaworthiness. Its design was later modified by Japanese engineers to fit a 450hp Nakajima Jupiter engine due to issues with the original powerplant. However, these adjustments did not resolve all its performance challenges, ultimately leading to the aircraft’s development being halted in 1929.
Armament
- Primary Armament: Two forward-firing 7.7mm machine guns
- Secondary Armament: One rear-firing flexible 7.7mm machine gun
- Bomb Load: Two 110 kg (242 lb) bombs, with fuel reduction
Performance Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 650-710hp Lorraine-Dietrich 18-111 W-type engine |
| Max Speed | 125 mph (108 knots) at sea level |
| Cruise Speed | 93 mph (81 knots) |
| Alighting Speed | 60 mph (52 knots) |
| Service Ceiling | 14,763 ft (4,500 m) |
| Climb to 3,000m | 19 min 24 sec |
| Endurance | Over 9 hours at 80 knots |
Dimensions and Weights
| Measurement | Details |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 15 m (49 ft 2.5 in) |
| Length | 10.95 m (35 ft 11 in) |
| Height | 4.17 m (13 ft 8.5 in) |
| Wing Area | 59.5 sq m (640.473 sq ft) |
| Empty Weight | 2,365 kg (5,214 lb) |
| Loaded Weight | 3,850 kg (8,488 lb) |
| Wing Loading | 64.7 kg/sq m (132 lb/sq ft) |
| Power Loading | 5.9 kg/hp (13 lb/hp) |
Proof
Spoiler
In-Game Role
The Heinkel HD 28 would serve as an early-game reconnaissance and support aircraft with balanced firepower, moderate durability, and long-range capabilities. Its low speed and maneuverability make it better suited for sea-based reconnaissance missions and support roles rather than direct engagement.
Suggested Battle Rating
- BR: 1.0 – 1.3 (Reserve to early Rank I)
Historical Significance
Despite its limited operational success, the Heinkel HD 28 influenced the design philosophy of Japanese reconnaissance seaplanes. It demonstrates early efforts to enhance reconnaissance and endurance for maritime operations, making it a unique addition to War Thunder’s naval aviation lineup.
Additional Notes:
- This aircraft would be a valuable asset in naval maps, providing early detection and limited air-to-sea support for players engaging in lower-tier naval battles.
- Aichi assigned a two-letter prefix and a consecutive number to each of its aircraft designs. The first letter was always A for Aichi, and the second was B for biplane or M for monoplane. These model designations applied only within the factory, for in the case of military aircraft the military designation was dominant.
More pictures:
Sources:
- Aichi designations | Secret Projects Forum
- Japanese Aircraft, 1910-1941 (Putnam Aeronautical Books): Mikesh, Robert, Abe, Shorzoe: 9781557505637: Amazon.com: Books
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