In 1929, Heinkel developed a biplane, the HD 42, for use with the covert military-training organization Deutsche Verkehrsfliegerschule (DVS).

Its fuselage was constructed out of a welded steel tube truss and had a rectangular cross-section with a rounded top.

The HD 42 model received good feedback from the Swedish Navy, who had purchased the aircraft, as well as from the famous pilot Gunther Plüschow (who was the first airman to fly over the Patagonian mountains of Chile and Argentina at Tierra del Fuego).

Series production began with the He 42D model (14 manufactured) which were intended for the German Air Force, which at the time was illegal.

A further 189 He 42Es were built in 1934 and these aircraft were used by various flying schools until the end of World War II Data from Die Deutsche Luftrüstung 1933–1945 Vol.2 – Flugzeugtypen Erla-Heinkel[2]General characteristics Performance