The Heinkel He 219 Uhu was a German two-engined night fighter aircraft used by the Luftwaffe during World War II. Developed by Heinkel, the He 219 entered service in 1943. In order to adapt this heavy fighter to the night fighting role, the Uhu was fitted with an VHF-band intercept radar. Although only 280 He 219s were built, it became, together with the Messerschmitt Bf 110 and Junkers Ju 88, the backbone of the night fighter defense against the Allied bombers. The Heinkel He 219A first saw combat action in June 1943, shooting down more than 15 allied bombers. This middle-winged, two-seat monoplane was powered by two Daimler-Benz DB 603E liquid-cooled inverted V12 engine, delivering 1,800 hp each.
Specifications
Type: night fighter
Country of origin: Germany
Manufacturer: Heinkel
Power plant: two 1,800 hp, Daimler-Benz DB 603E liquid-cooled inverted V12 engine
Maximum speed: 620 km/h (385mph)
Range: 1,540 km (960 mi)
Ceiling: 9,300 m (30,500 ft)
Weapons: four 20 mm MG 151 cannons under fuselage
Wingspan: 18.5 m (60 ft 8 in)
Wing area: 44.4 m2 (478 ft2)
Length: 15.5 m (51 ft 0 in)
Crew: 2
