One of the latest additions to the German Air Force is the Heinkel HE-177, a few of which
have been seen in recent operations.
From available information, the HE-177 appears to be an anti-blockade, sub-stratospheric bomber
that could also be used for dive bombing. Some types have pressure cabins appropriate for
extremely high altitude reconnaissance.
Photographs seem to show that it is an all-metal, 4- to 6-place, midwing, single rudder, land
monoplane with dorsal and tail turrets. The unusually thick wing, equipped with Fowler-type flaps, appear
almost to enclose the engines. The double-wheel undercarriage has one set of wheels
folding inward and the other outward.
The power plant is reported to consist of two 24-cylinder Daimler-Benz, (DB 606) "double
engines" each with two 12-cylinder DB 601 units, giving the appearance, when viewed end on, of
an inverted twin Vee. For economy in long-range cruising, one unit of each double engine may be
disengaged from the common propeller shaft by means of a clutch arrangement.
High speed is estimated at 310 m.p.h. and the service ceiling at 26,000 feet. Cruising
speed is about 210 to 220 m.p.h.
Cruising at 20,000 feet with a load of 13,200 pounds, the range is believed to be 1,000 miles, while
with a 2,200-pound load it would be about 3,200 miles. As a reconnaissance plane without
bombs, but with their equivalent in fuel, a range of 4,600 to 5,000 miles at
approximately 30,000 or more feet is possible.
The large bomb compartment is said to be capable of taking two 5,500-pound bombs or their
equivalent in smaller bombs or fuel, and is considered large enough to accommodate a
light 3-ton tank.
The armament apparently consists of 1 fixed cannon and probably 5 machine guns.