02/28/2009. The He 177 A-1/U2 Grosszerstörer (large destroyer) was the standard He 177 A-1 fitted with a forward extended under-nose gondola carrying an 1.18 in (30 mm) Mk.101 canon. Twelve aircraft were converted and used for Flak (Flugzeugabwehrkannone, anti-aircraft artilery) suppression, ground straffing and long-range anti-ship raids in support of submarines.