Heinkel He-219A-7 'Uhu' (Eagle Owl) Nightfighter
Unit: 2./NJG 1 (later NJG 4)
Serial: G9+CH
May 1945. 

Light enhanced grey mottled version for European night campaigns
in the 110c slot. Original file by George "Geo" Lekko

cheers
Ade Kelly 'flying tiger'
sept 2007


About the He-219 courtesy of George Lekko

Potentially one of the most effective night-fighters for the Luftwaffe, 
the Heinkel He219 "Uhu' (eagle owl) was doomed by political misjudgments 
and maltreatment. Started as a private venture study of the firm, the He219
incorporated a number of advanced features such as pressurized crew compartment, 
cockpit positioned at the extreme nose for excellent visibility, landing gear of 
tricycle configuration, etc. The He219 was also the world's first operational aircraft 
to be equipped with ejector seats. 

Powered by two Daimler-Benz DB603 engines, this aircraft with a long and slender 
fuselage displayed its combat-worthiness against allied bombers in nocturnal operations 
during the final period of the conflict. Several versions were produced starting with the
He219A-0 in 1942, and among them, the He219A-7 was the final and the most 
sophisticated version. It is equipped with larger, improved super charger intakes
for its DB603G engines. Coupled with a FuG220 radar, two dorsal 30mm canons 
dubbed "Schrage Musik" plus two each 20 or 30mm canons in the wing-roots and 
the ventral tray enhanced A-7's capability as a high altitude night-fighter. 

Although the total number of production was only 268 until the end of the war, 
the Heinkel He219 Uhu gained noteworthy results against allied airforces and was 
the best among the Luftwaffe's reciprocating engined night-fighters.