Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: Germany
Type: Fighter Aircraft
Manufacturer: Heinkel Flugzeugwerke
Heinkel He 219 Aircraft Overview
The Heinkel He 219 was a German twin-engine heavy fighter aircraft that was used during World War II. It was designed by the German aircraft manufacturer Heinkel to counter the growing threat posed by Allied bombers.
The He 219 had a number of advanced features, including a tricycle landing gear, a pressurized cockpit, and a radar system that enabled it to locate and track enemy aircraft at night. It was armed with four 20mm MG 151/20 cannons and four 30mm MK 108 cannons, making it one of the most heavily armed aircraft of its time.
The He 219 first entered service with the Luftwaffe in mid-1943, and it quickly gained a reputation as an effective night fighter. It was used to intercept and shoot down Allied bombers over German airspace, and it was particularly effective in its role thanks to its advanced radar and powerful armament.
Despite its success, the He 219 suffered from a number of technical problems, including issues with its engines and hydraulic systems. Production was also hindered by Germany’s deteriorating war effort and the Allied bombing campaign against German industrial targets. As a result, only a small number of He 219s were produced, and the aircraft never saw widespread service.
Heinkel He 219 Specifications
- Crew: 2
- Length: 15.33 m (50 ft 4 in)
- Wingspan: 18.5 m (60 ft 8 in)
- Height: 4.1 m (13 ft 5 in)
- Wing area: 44.5 m2 (479 sq ft)
- Airfoil: root: He 2 37 16.8–0.715–36.6; tip: He 2 37 12-0.715–36.6
- Empty weight: 11,200 kg (24,692 lb)
- Gross weight: 15,300 kg (33,731 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Daimler-Benz DB 603E V-12 inverted liquid-cooled piston engines, 1,324 kW (1,776 hp) each
- Propellers: 3-bladed VDM constant-speed propeller
Heinkel He 219 Performance
- Maximum speed: 670 km/h (420 mph, 360 kn) at 7,000 m (23,000 ft)
- Cruise speed: 540 km/h (340 mph, 290 kn)
- Range: 1,545 km (960 mi, 834 nmi)
- Ferry range: 2,000 km (1,200 mi, 1,100 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 12,700 m (41,700 ft) (absolute)
Heinkel He 219 Armament
- Guns: ** 2 × 20 mm (0.787 in) MG 151/20 cannon in a detachable fairing under the fuselage, 300 rpg
- 2 × 20 mm (0.787 in) MG 151/20 cannon in wing roots, 300 rpg
- 2 × 30 mm (1.181 in) MK 108 cannon, Schräge Musik (oriented 65° above horizontal), 100 rpg