The Heinkel He 277 was a four-engine, long-range heavy bomber design, originating as a derivative of the He 177, intended for production and use by the German Luftwaffe during World War II. The main difference was in its engines. While the He 177 used four engines in two coupled pairs which proved troublesome, the He 277 was intended to use four unitized BMW 801E 14-cylinder radial engines, in single nacelle installations.
Heinkel He 277
The troublesome DB 610 "welded-together engine" for an He 177A-5 – the DB 606A/B powerplants were similar in configuration, each weighing 1.5 tonnes
Oberst Edgar Petersen, the "KdE" commander of the Luftwaffe's test station network.
This restored Bristol Blenheim Mk.I's nose echoes the intended shape for the He 277 Amerikabomber forward cockpit design, which also incorporated an upper cockpit glazing layout resembling the design for the Avro Lancaster.
The Heinkel He 177 Greif (Griffin) was a long-range heavy bomber flown by the Luftwaffe during World War II. The introduction of the He 177 to combat operations was significantly delayed, by both problems with the development of its engines and frequent changes to its intended role. Nevertheless, it was the only long-range, heavy bomber to become operational with the Luftwaffe during the war. The He 177 had a payload/range capability similar to that of four-engined heavy bombers used by the Allies in the European theatre.
Heinkel He 177 Greif
A later DB 610 "power system" which equipped the He 177A-5. The DB 606A/B powerplants were similar in configuration, with outermost "pair" of engine mount forgings not shown.
Portside view of a DB 605 engine in a Bf 109G's nose - the visible engine mount forging was similar to what each side of the DB 606/610 used, along with the "power system's" special centreline mounting unit.
He 177A-5 tail gun position, with 20mm MG 151 cannon and bulged upper glazing for upright gunner's seating.