[Doug Stankey]

I sense that this is part of the general confusion over the Heinkel He 111. This is because the published matter on this subject is weak and inconsistent. The best thing on the subject (that I know of) is:

Heinkel He 111Kampfflugzeug Torpedobomber Transporter by Manfried Griehl, published by Motorbuch Verlag, 1997. This book is still a bit confusing but it redeems itself magnificently by showing on page 108 a reproduction of an original Heinkel document which summarizes the characteristics of the main He 111 types! A veritable Rosetta stone!

Essentially, the early prop blades were metal and apply to the earlier Heinkels that were made prior to the H-6 version. From that point on the larger engines were available which obliged the use of the broader wooden props (actually laminated wood with metal reinforcements).



Starting with the H-6, they switched to the Jumo 211F engine.



The H-16 is essentially the same as the H-6 but had a heavier defensive armament, such as the addition of the 20 mm bow cannon. It is at this point that the classic glazed nose is simplified and beefed up to take the large bow cannon, and the shape of the nose is blunter.

As for who used H-6s where and when, you could cruise through the Michael Holms website looking for strength reports under bomber units. (www.ww2.dk). A better solution is to look through our book Bomber Units of the Luftwaffe, A Reference Source by Henry L. deZeng and D.G. Stankey , which indicates what a/c types and subtypes were used by every unit at every phase of the war.

Incidently, are you the fellow who makes those excellent aircraft profiles?

Good hunting!

D. Stankey.