Heinkel He 115 – preserved beneath the surface

This photograph captures a rare fragment of history: part of a German Heinkel He 115 floatplane resting in a freshwater conservation tank outside Flyhistorisk Museum Sola in Norway. Recovered from the waters of Hafrsfjord in 2012, this aircraft is the only surviving Heinkel He 115 in existence today. After decades submerged in saltwater, the remains were carefully placed in freshwater to gradually remove salt and stabilize the fragile structure. Captured in July 2013, this image documents a temporary phase in the aircraft’s preservation — a moment that can no longer be seen today, as the plane has since been removed from the tank for further restoration.