Heinkel Flugzeugwerke was a major German aircraft manufacturer established by Ernst Heinkel in 1922. The company is historically significant for its pioneering work in high-speed flight and jet propulsion, most notably producing the He 178, which became the world’s first turbojet-powered aircraft to fly in 1939. During World War II, Heinkel served as a primary supplier for the LuftwaffeLuftwaffe: Derived from the German words "Luft" (air) and "Waffe" (weapon), the term literally means "air weapon" and refers to the aerial warfare bra... More, best known for the He 111 medium bomber—the visual icon of the Battle of Britain—and the He 177, the only heavy bomber to see operational service with the German air forceLuftwaffe: Derived from the German words "Luft" (air) and "Waffe" (weapon), the term literally means "air weapon" and refers to the aerial warfare bra... More.
Beyond its wartime production, Heinkel was a center for radical innovation, developing the first liquid-fueled rocket plane (the He 176) and the first jet fighter prototype (the He 280). After the war, the company was initially barred from aviation and produced microcars and scooters before returning to aircraft manufacturing in the 1950s. Like MesserschmittMesserschmitt AG was a preeminent German aviation manufacturer founded by innovative designer Willy Messerschmitt. The company is most famous for its ... More, the company underwent several mergers (joining VFW and later MBB) and is today part of the corporate heritage of the Airbus Group.