Hirth HM 508 — Engine Manuals Collection
A curated archival collection of primary-source technical documents covering the Hirth HM 508 — the powerful 8-cylinder inverted-V inline engine that powered the long-range Heinkel He 116 and the elegant Messerschmitt Bf 108C, representing the pinnacle of Hirth’s pre-war engineering ambition.
Collection Overview
Total Unique Manuals: 3
Variants covered: C/D, H/J
Note on Multi-Variant Manuals: Some manuals apply to multiple variants. To ensure easier access and better usability, files are included in each relevant variant folder. The total number of manuals refers to unique files and does not include repeated copies across folders.
Variant C/D — 2 Manuals
HM 508 C/D Operating and Maintenance
- HM 508 H, J and D Aircraft Engine Description and Operating Instructions, Beschreibung und Betriebsanweisung (German Language)
HM 508 C/D Repair Instructions
- HM 508 C, D Aircraft Engine Partial Overhaul Instructions, Beschreibung und Teilüberholungsanleitung (German Language)
Variant H/J — 2 Manuals
HM 508 H/J Operating and Maintenance
- HM 508 H, J and D Aircraft Engine Description and Operating Instructions, Beschreibung und Betriebsanweisung (German Language)
HM 508 H/J Brochures & Training
- HM 508 H Aircraft Engine Technical Brochure, Prospekt (German Language)
About the Hirth HM 508
Historical Background
First introduced in 1936 and produced through 1940, the HM 508 was developed by Hirth Motoren GmbH (later Heinkel-Hirth) as an expansion of the proven HM 504 and HM 506 inverted inline series, sharing identical cylinder dimensions scaled to 8 cylinders in a 60-degree inverted-V configuration. It powered the Heinkel He 116 long-range mailplane and reconnaissance aircraft and the Messerschmitt Bf 108C touring aircraft. Though a technically accomplished engine, it was largely passed over in favour of the competing Argus As 10, resulting in a limited production run. Wartime use included specialized long-range reconnaissance and map-making He 116 variants operated by the Luftwaffe early in World War II.
Technical Specifications
- Type: Inverted-V inline, air-cooled piston engine
- Configuration: 8-cylinder, 60-degree inverted V
- Displacement: 7.97 L (486.1 cu in)
- Bore × Stroke: 105 mm × 115 mm
- Power Output: 240–280 hp
- Compression Ratio: 6.2:1
- Weight: 208 kg (458.6 lbs)
- Fuel: 87 octane aviation gasoline (B4 standard)
Engineering Distinction
The HM 508 features a single-stage centrifugal supercharger, the patented Hirth built-up multi-piece crankshaft with precision interlocking radial couplings, and complete roller-bearing construction throughout for high-RPM efficiency. The HM 508D variant added a 0.666:1 reduction gear, developing 280 hp.
Current Status
The HM 508 is no longer in active airworthiness service. No active Type Certificate holder exists; the original certificate was held under the Reichsluftfahrtministerium/LBA and is now legally obsolete. No active Service Bulletins or Airworthiness Directives apply. Surviving examples are static displays in specialized aviation exhibits including the Polish Aviation Museum.
This is an archival, static-copy edition fixed at its original publication date. Intended for historical reference, flight simulation, museum restoration, and educational use only. Not approved for active airworthiness maintenance under FAA 14 CFR § 43.13, EASA Part-M, or equivalent international regulations. Operators of active aircraft must use current, revision-controlled publications from the Type Certificate holder or an authorized distributor.
Living Collections with Free Lifetime Updates — Please review our Disclaimer and Export Notice before purchasing.