In this video, we talk about the Henschel Hs 129, a German ground-attack aircraft from World War II that attempted to use more unwanted parts in its construction. We first talk about the general logic of using unwanted or lesser-wanted parts in aircraft construction, and how it was most commonly seen in the use of wood instead of metal. We then talk about Germany's search for a ground-attack aircraft, spurred on by their success in the Spanish Civil War. We talk about the requirements for the project, including the use of a low-power, not-in-demand engine, and how it resulted in the Hs 129 and Fw 189C.
We then compare the poor performance of both planes, which were far too underpowered and severely restricted pilot vision from cramped cockpits. We talk about how the Hs 129 won by being cheaper to produce, how its initial production models failed, and how the design managed to survive through the German takeover of France. We then talk about the improved performance of the Hs 129, its solid performance at the Battle of Kursk, and its evolution through stronger weaponry, going up to a 75mm cannon.
