[richdlc]

Hi guys - there was a most productive thread a couple of years ago on DB 603 engine numbers. I've had a read through and it has given me an idea. Eric 'Winkle' Brown was quite disparaging about the He 219s he flew, and mentions the aircraft was underpowered. This opinion has some merit, but the aircraft was always intended for more powerful engines that did not materialise. I am wondering if the aircraft he flew had worn-out engines that would severely affect their performance.

If possible I'd like to marry up known DB 603 engine numbers to the following Air Ministry numbered Heinkel He 219s (note: Butler records each of these aircraft (apart from W.Nr. 310189, which is erroneously listed as the planned but never implemented ‘A-5’ variant) as an ‘A-2’ model, whereas Ferguson records all of them (except for Werknummern 290126) as an ‘A-7’. Brown also mentions flying A-2s and an 'A-5' although I am deferring to Ferguson’s research for now and calling them all either A-2 or A-7 models)

AM 20, Heinkel He 219A-2 W.Nr. 290126
AM 21, Heinkel He 219A-7, W.Nr. 310109
AM 22, Heinkel He 219A-7, W.Nr. 310189
AM 43, Heinkel He 219A-7, W.Nr. unknown (may have been 310215)
AM 44, Heinkel He 219A-7, W.Nr. 310106

It would be interesting to ascertain if there is an operational and servicing history for the engines of these machines, and if so whether they shed any light on the condition of the engines at the end of the war.

Thanks in advance!