DB603s on the 217M-1? Nah... These were such rare engines they could barely put any in play.
The more common variant would be the 217E with BMW 801 engines (same as on Fw190A/F/Gs). The BMW engine served most of the 217 family.
There's a lot of interesting stuff about this plane.
The E-1 had only 2000kg (4000lbs, to round it off).
The E-2 brought this up to 4000kg (8000lb roughly). 2000kg-2500kg internally, the rest externally on shackles. The E-2 was equal parts anti-shipping and level bombing, so it's possible this 8000kg is a pair of very heavy glider bombs under the wings. Some navy patrol bombers carried 2x 1000kg bombs under the wings, so this would also account for the bomb load being split up internal/external.
The E-3 was a specific anti-shipping variant with extra armor.
The E-4 was a more of a bomber variant, and I'd say probably the best candidate for Aces High. However, it still was used against shipping and as maritime recon etc. As this was one of the few post-BOB bombers that could reach the UK and back, half the bomb bay (perhaps an entirely separate bomb bay, like on the Ju88?) was used for a gas tank to extend range. That would be the normal configuration.
The last E was the E-5. Only 65 or so of these were built and the main intent was hanging the Fritz-X anti-shipping missile under the wings. The 217K and M models did this better and replaced the E line. The E-4 was being replaced by the 217K in summer 1942, even.
Initially they were used for bombing (ca. 1940 to 1942), but the majority of the effort they put into the war up until 1944-45 was recon, maritime patrol, anti-shipping with glider bombs or rockets, and eventually a large portion was night fighter variants. After the 217E every major model that was made (J/K/M/N) was used mostly for recon, glider bombs, or night fighting. None of which "work" with Aces High.
Of the total 500 or so E models that were made, they were used for navy patrols, anti shipping duties, glider bombs, as well as revenge bombings ordered by Hitler on British cities. Only so many were used for level bombing and still suffered very heavy losses anywhere allied fighters found them. While they aren't "nothing" in the historical sense, I still say they are a drop in the bucket compared to German production numbers and other aircraft. They're a footnote. The problem is, it's not all that interesting a footnote! There are better footnotes to focus on!
As far as "heavy" bombers go, this isn't a heavy bomber. It's a medium bomber in the same class as the Ju88. It may be faster than a Ju88, but this is only in "clean" configuration. If you want full bombs you'll slow down, much like a Ju88. I'd rather see a Ju-188, which was much more dedicated in the bomber role and more plentiful as the successor to the Ju-88 and He-111.
EDIT: Forums spazzing out mad right now.... Let's see how mant times this posts?
