Heinkel He 177 Greif (Griffin) Landing Gear & Cockpit

The Heinkel He 177 Greif was equipped with a rather unique set of landing gear.  There were four main wheels, each mounted separately on individual struts.  The hinge points were in the engine nacelles and each leg folded laterally up into the wing.

There was a large circular cover for each wheel well under the wing.  These covers were normally closed, opening only when the landing gear was cycling.  The covers could be released by the ground crews for maintenance.  This is an He 177A-1 of KG1, VF+RP.  (World War Photos)

This photograph of an He 177 being serviced reveals several interesting details.  The wheel well doors have been released by the ground crew and the engine covers have been removed.  The highly-polished spinner has been removed and is painted with a very even spiral.  Under the wing at the right of the photo is the rack for an Hs 293 or Fritz-X guided bomb.  The aircraft is from II./KG 40.  (Bundesarchiv Photo)

This aircraft is up on a jack to allow servicing of the main wheels.  The tires were quite large, 1220 x 445 mm.  (Bundesarchiv Photo)

Another machine from II./KG 40, this view gives an impression of the limited access to the engines, even with the panels removed.  Engine cooling problems were never fully overcome, and many He 177 were lost to engine fires.

A nice view of the main gear from the rear showing many useful details for modelers.

A captured aircraft with the wheel well doors and engine access panels open.

The starboard gear retracting as seen from the cockpit of He 177V-4.  The gear was actuated hydraulically and the struts compressed as the gear retracted.

A rare view of the flaps from the underside showing the interior structure.  The He 177 was equipped with Fowler type flaps which slid to the rear before deflecting downwards.

A view from inside the cockpit.  Not the best photograph but it does show the general arrangement.  The pilot sat to the left.  As on many Luftwaffe bomber types, his control yoke was hinged at the top of the center column and could be flipped to the right to allow the Bombardier to fly the aircraft.

A much clearer picture showing the pilot’s station.  Engine controls are on the console to the left.  The extensive glazing provided excellent all-around visibility, particularly down and to the front of the aircraft.

A view of the rear bulkhead of the cockpit showing the radio equipment.  The He 177 carried a crew of six.  German design practice was to concentrate the crew together at the front of the aircraft to improve communication.

Part IV here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2020/09/09/heinkel-he-177-greif-griffin-engines-servicing-details/