The He 60 was a compact floatplane around which Germany began building its fleet-reconnaissance system. Its quoted performance included a range of about 446 nautical miles, a top speed near 150 miles per hour, and only a flexible observer's machine gun. It first flew in 1933 yet remained in service until 1943. That longevity shows how a specialized naval reconnaissance platform could remain useful even when its speed and armament were unremarkable.
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Heinkel He 60 and Germany's shipborne reconnaissance system
The Heinkel He 60 became an enduring foundation for German shipborne fleet reconnaissance despite modest performance.