          The Heinkel He219A-7/R1 "Uhu"

On the night of June 11-12, the He219 night fighter received
its first combat test.  MAJ Streib, the Gruppenkommandeur of
I/NJG 1, flew the He219A-0 and shot down five British bombers
in the course of the evening.  Generalfeldmarschall Milch was
hard to impress, though.  His comment was, "Yes, they are
enthusiastic about this aircraft as it shot down five on its
first sortie.  One can hardly  ask more, but perhaps Streib
would have shot down as many bombers had he been flying
another aircraft!"

Regardless, the work on the He219 "Uhu" (Owl) continued, and
it became regarded as one of the finest night fighters of
WWII.  The model represented is the He219A-7/R1, which had 2
x MG151 20mm cannon (300 rpg), 2 x Mk108 30mm cannon (100
rpg), and 2 x Mk103 30mm cannon (100 rpg), all firing
forward.  It also had 2 x Mk108 30mm cannon (100 rpg) in the
"schraege musik" (jazz music) configuration, firing forward
and upward at a 65 degree angle.  The pilot was protected by
a 335 pound frontal armor shell, with an armored glass
screen, and both crewmembers had ejection seats.

Top speed was 416 mph at 22,965 feet with a cruising speed of
391 and a range of 960 miles.  The ceiling was 41,660.  Climb
rate was 1810 feet/minute.

The He219 uses a Do17 exterior graphics, with a P38-based
cockpit and Me262 side views.  To use the "schraege Musik",
press the "G" key to switch to the gunner view.  You will be
in the "top turret", which is the 2 x Mk108 "Schraege Musik"
position.  Press "A" for autofire and then "P" to return to
the pilot's position.  The "Schraege Musik" will fire if you
are a reasonable altitude below the bomber, and lined up and
flying not too much faster.  It is best to reduce speed,
approach from directly behind, and try to be 200-500 feet
below the bomber.  It takes some skill to use this weapon.
It is also most excellent on replay (grin).

Created by Gregory M. "Sturmer" Smith
Source: Warplanes of the Third Reich, by William Green