I just created this post for my WWII German aviation collection. A unique nightfighter named the “Uhu” – “Owl”.

Originally shared by Pete Panozzo

The Heinkel He 219 Uhu (“Eagle-Owl”) was a night fighter that served with the German Luftwaffe in the later stages of World War II. A relatively sophisticated design, the He 219 possessed a variety of innovations, including Lichtenstein SN-2 advanced VHF-band intercept radar, also used on the Ju 88G and Bf 110G night fighters. It was also the first operational military aircraft to be equipped with ejection seats and the first operational German World War II-era aircraft with tricycle landing gear. Had the Uhu been available in quantity, it might have had a significant effect on the strategic night bombing offensive of the Royal Air Force; however, only 294 of all models were built by the end of the war and these saw only limited service.[1] Ernst-Wilhelm Modrow was the leading night fighter ace on the He 219. Modrow was credited with 33 from 34 night air victories on the type.[2]

Read more at: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinkel_He_219

Data from Jane’s Fighting Aircraft of World War II[29]
General characteristics

Crew: 2
Length: 15.5 m (51 ft 0 in)
Wingspan: 18.5 m (60 ft 8 in)
Height: 4.4 m (14 ft 5 in)
Wing area: 44.4 m² (478 ft²)
Max. takeoff weight: 13,580 kg (29,900 lb)
Powerplant: 2 × Daimler-Benz DB 603E liquid-cooled inverted V12 engine, 1,800 PS (1,324 kW) each
Propellers: VDM three blade constant speed airscrew
Performance

Maximum speed: 616 km/h (333 kn, 385 mph)
Range: 1,540 km (831 nmi, 960 mi)
Ferry range: 2,148 km (1,160 nmi, 1,335 mi)
Service ceiling: 9,300 m (30,500 ft)
Armament

Guns:
2 × 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons in a detachable fairing under the fuselage, 300 rpg
2 × 20 mm MG 151/20s in wing roots, 300 rpg
2 × 30 mm (1.18 in) MK 108 cannons, Schräge Musik (oriented 65° above horizontal), 100 rpg