Ernst Heinkel, born 1887, joined LVG 1911 and was largely responsible for basic design of LVG wartime biplanes. Moved to Albatros 1913, and thence to Brandenburgische, later Hansa-Brandenburg. Work ceased at Armistice, but early 1921 joined Caspar-Werke. Decision of Sweden to procure S 1 seaplane of his design, and of Bücker to build Swedish factory to build his designs, prompted him to leave Caspar and set up Ernst Heinkel Konstruktionsbüro May 1922. Despite litigation by Caspar, formed Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugwerke 1 December 1922 at Warnemünde. For next 10 years profusion of designs prefixed HD, mainly military or naval single-engined trainers, observation or fighter landplanes, seaplanes and flying-boats for Sweden, Denmark, Japan and USSR. A 1930 order from latter country for 40 HD 55 flying-boats forced conversion to public company. By 1934 Heinkel had He 46 army co-op, He 51 fighter and He 59 and 60 seaplanes ready for production, but little productive capacity. Reformed as private company. See Ernst Heinkel AG.

Ernst Heinkel