(b) Strength of He. 177 Forces. At the present time the G.A.F. is estimated to have at the most 50 He. 177 aircraft in service with operational units. It is intended to expand this force to approximately 100 aircraft. In view of wastage and all current production difficulties, however, expansion to this figure is not likely to be rapid. (c) Distribution of He. 177 Forces. With the exception of a few He. 177's employed in South Russia on emergency supply operations at the time of the Stalingrad crisis, no He.