He 60 WNr 309
 

Hello,

I'm looking for information on He 60 WNr 309, D1+AH. Any clues greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Adam

Re: He 60 WNr 309
 

W.Nr. 309 belongs to a series of 46 He 60E aircraft built by Weser between May 1936 and April 1937. 309 was delivered from Weser 25.08.36 as D-IHYA. The next report I have for this aircraft is on 25.04.41 when it was reported as D1+JK (could very well be D1+IK) by
2./126 then being formed. On 15.01.42 the aircraft was reported by 1./126 and on 20.05.42 by 1./126 as withdrawn from use and stored.

Re: He 60 WNr 309
 

Seaplanes

He 60 c/n 309 carried 20+C22 after D-IHYA

Tony

Re: He 60 WNr 309
 

Many thanks for the information, Seaplanes and Tony. I have a photograph showing this aircraft along with what looks like a four-digit WNr airframe (D1+GH - last two digits possible being 01) and was wondering whether 1./126 was the last Staffel to use this aircraft.

In terms of storage, in 1942 do you have any idea what this meant precisely? I can't see an airframe being over-flown in terms of air time as to necessitate it being 'retired' (especially after 'only' four years), but at the same time I can't see there being a glut of seaplanes that would allow an aircraft to become stored - the Ar 196 and Bv 138 not withstanding.

Cheers

Adam

Re: He 60 WNr 309
 

The reason for storing some of Gruppe 126 He 60 aircraft, was that the 2./126 reequipped with Ar 196. By the end of March 1942 the 1./126 had 7 He 60 and 2 Fokker T.8W, the 2./126 had 3 Ar 196, 3 He 114 and 6 He 60, the 3./126 5 He 60 and 3 Fokker T.8W. The intension was to concentrate He 60 to 1./126 while 2./126 continued with Ar 196. The 3./126 should be equipped with the remaining Fokker T.8W. However, this was only partially carried out. By mid June 1942 the 1./126 had received the remaining nine Fokker T.8W + a further two in reserve + 6 He 60 in reserve. The 2./126 had nine Ar 196 + 1 He 60 in reserve. The 3./126 had 9 Ar 196 + 3 He 60 in reserve. In addition the Gruppe had one BV 138 for transport duties.

Re: He 60 WNr 309
 

as always, many thanks Seaplanes