The Heinkel He 219 Uhu Uhu (Owl) was the only Luftwaffe nightfighter capable of stalking and fighting the RAF Mosquito on equal terms. Heinkel first offered the design in August 1940, but the German Air Ministry was not interested, believing that the war would be won before such an aircraft could be produced. Not until RAF night raids were beginning to build up in intensity in late 1941 was it decided to go ahead with the design as a specialized nightfighter. The prototype flew on 15 November 1942. The first experimental mission was flown by Major Werner Streib from Venlo, Holland on the night of 11-12 June 1943. Infiltrating a stream of RAF Lancasters bound for Berlin, he shot down five in 30 minutes. Preference continued to be given to the Ju 88G, and only 268 Uhu were completed. Basic armament was six cannon.