Introduced during the summer of 1939 the Hs-126B-1 was powered by either the 850 hp Brumo 323A-1 or 900 hp Brumo 323A-2 radial piston engine, and was equipped with FuG-17 radio. The Luftwaffe employed generally these machines in their reconnaissance squadrons until 1943, when they were replaced by the Fw-189.