The prototype He 111 flew in 1935. A civil version flew in
Lufthansa livery while Luftwaffe He 111's served in the Spanish Civil
War. During the early part of World War II, the He 111 was the
Luftwaffe's principal bomber until its vulnerability was demonstrated
against British fighters. By the end of the war, the He 111 was virtually
flown in a transport role only. Over 7,300 were produced.
Over 200 He 111s were also produced under license by CASA in Spain
during and after the war as the CASA 2.111.