He 177 Operations?

[HeinkelBomber]

I am very interested to learn more about the He 177 bombing operations in all theaters. I know that most of the He 177s built served on the Eastern Front (around 700 or so).

This bomber was notoriously dangerous to fly given its fire vulnerability but I always thought the basic design was magnificent. It had a lot of potential but suffered from poor internal configuration.

Any more information anyone has is much appreciated.

http://www.luftwaffepics.com/LCBW3/he177-001.jpg

http://www.luftwaffepics.com/LCBW/He177-A5-12.jpg

[Andy Mitchell]

If you have'nt already got a copy, I suggest that you get hold of a copy of Griehl/Dressel "He 177/277/274" - this will give you quite a lot on the He 177.

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by HeinkelBomber

This bomber was notoriously dangerous to fly given its fire vulnerability but I always thought the basic design was magnificent. It had a lot of potential but suffered from poor internal configuration.

My own "Kampfflieger Volume 4" (Classic Publications 2005) includes a quotation from an RAF report on captured He 177 crewmen that rather contradicts this image of it being a death trap.

[Primoz]

Originally Posted by HeinkelBomber

I know that most of the He 177s built served on the Eastern Front (around 700 or so).

I don't think that most He 177s served on the Eastern Front. The He 177 was a complicated aircraft, maintenance was very difficult so it needed well equipped bases with hangars, concrete runways etc.

Which units used He 177s on the Eastern Front? I know of KG 1 but I don't think this unit alone could have had 700 aircraft.

[Pawel Burchard]

Originally Posted by Primoz

Which units used He 177s on the Eastern Front?

AFAIK these were I./K.G. 50 (around Stalingrad) and later, for brief time in summer 1944, K.G. 1 from airfields in East Prussia.

Regards,
Pawel