Heinkel was a German aircraft manufacturer founded by Ernst Heinkel in 1922. The company became known for producing innovative aircraft during the interwar period and World War II, including the famous Heinkel He 111 bomber and the Heinkel He 178, which was the world's first jet aircraft. After the war, Heinkel shifted focus to the production of motorcycles and scooters, becoming a significant player in the post-war German automotive industry. The brand is also associated with the Heinkel Tourist, a popular scooter model that gained a loyal following in the 1950s and 1960s.