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 &lt;a href="Payload%23Relationship%20of%20range%20and%20payload"&gt;a payload/range capability&lt;/a&gt; similar to that of four-engined heavy bombers used by the Allies in the European theatre.