The He111 was the German bomber that was built in greatest numbers during World War II.

It was derived from a commercial aircraft dating back to 1936 and early versions were used against the Republicans during the Spanish Civil War.

By the end of summer 1939 the first He111 H-1 had left the Heinkel works in Oranienburg and in October 1939 they were in action. The He111 squadrons were used primarily during the Battle of Britain and suffered heavy losses.

The aircraft was, in truth, already approaching obsolescence, was limited in range and under-powered compared to the newer Junkers Ju88.