The adoption of alternative engines on further prototypes rectified this, the aircraft becoming noted for its favourable flying qualities and short take-off distances.

However, by the start of the Second World War, the type was already being displaced by newer aircraft, such as the Henschel Hs 123 and the Junkers Ju 87.

Mid-way through the Second World War, most remaining aircraft were transferred back to combat use as a night harassment bomber on the Eastern Front.

In terms of its general configuration, it was a biplane of mixed construction, outfitted with twin floats and powered by a single Junkers L5 inline engine.

The primary structure featured welded steel tube construction that was faired to form an oval shape using wooden formers and stringers.

[4] Its arched wing section was achieved via a pair of high box girders that were deemed to be suitable for performing aerobatic manoeuvers.

[7] The engine and associated accessories (such as cooling elements) were mounted upon a series of steel tubes that were in turn secured to the ends of the four primary longerons via four conical bolts that made it relatively easy to replace.

[6] The pilot's cockpit was directly aft of the engine in a relatively forward position that permitted the front ends of the floats to be clearly viewed during both take off runs and while alighting.

[8] The interior space of the fuselage was relatively spacious and provided sufficient room for the insta11ation of both radio apparatus and sophisticated cameras in addition to baggage.

These floats were attached via clamps to the ends of the transverse distance struts of the undercarriage in a manner that permitted their rapid detachment if required.

The He 50, however, was steadily replaced by the Henschel Hs 123 and Junkers Ju 87, after which He 50s were transferred to dive bomber training units.

[2] In spring 1943, following the success of the Soviet VVS's Night Witches units against the Wehrmacht Heer's frontline encampments while flying their Polikarpov Po-2 biplanes on nocturnal harassment raids, surviving He 50s were rounded up from training schools and delivered to night ground attack units operating on the Eastern Front.