The Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe ("Swallow") was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Design work started before World War II began, but engine problems prevented the aircraft from attaining operational status until mid-1944. Compared with Allied fighters of its day, including the jet-powered Gloster Meteor, it was much faster and better armed.
In combat, when properly flown, it proved difficult to counter due to its speed. Me 262 pilots claimed a total of 509 Allied kills (although higher claims are sometimes made) against the loss of about 100 Me 262s. The design was pressed into a variety of roles, including light bomber, reconnaissance and even experimental night fighter versions.
The Me 262 is considered to have been the most advanced German aviation design in operational use during World War II. The Allies countered its potential effectiveness in the air by relentlessly attacking the aircraft on the ground, or while they were taking off or landing. Maintenance during the deteriorating war situation and a lack of fuel also reduced the effectiveness of the aircraft as a fighting force. In the end, the Me 262 had a negligible impact on the course of the war due to its late introduction and the small numbers that were deployed in operational service.
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
In combat, when properly flown, it proved difficult to counter due to its speed. Me 262 pilots claimed a total of 509 Allied kills (although higher claims are sometimes made) against the loss of about 100 Me 262s. The design was pressed into a variety of roles, including light bomber, reconnaissance and even experimental night fighter versions.
The Me 262 is considered to have been the most advanced German aviation design in operational use during World War II. The Allies countered its potential effectiveness in the air by relentlessly attacking the aircraft on the ground, or while they were taking off or landing. Maintenance during the deteriorating war situation and a lack of fuel also reduced the effectiveness of the aircraft as a fighting force. In the end, the Me 262 had a negligible impact on the course of the war due to its late introduction and the small numbers that were deployed in operational service.
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 10.60 m (34 ft 9 in)
- Wingspan: 12.60 m (41 ft 6 in)
- Height: 3.50 m (11 ft 6 in)
- Wing area: 21.7 m² (234 ft²)
- Empty weight: 3,795 kg[62] (8,366 lb)
- Loaded weight: 6,473 kg[62] (14,272 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 7,130 kg[62] (15,720 lb)
- Powerplant: 2× Junkers Jumo 004 B-1 turbojets, 8.8 kN (1,980 lbf) each
- Aspect ratio: 7.32
Performance
- Maximum speed: 900 km/h (559 mph)
- Range: 1,050 km (652 mi)
- Service ceiling: 11,450 m (37,565 ft)
- Rate of climb: 1,200 m/min (At max weight of 7,130 kg) (3,900 ft/min)
- Thrust/weight: 0.28
Armament
- 4 × 30 mm MK 108 cannons (A-2a: two cannons)
- 24 × 55 mm (2.2 in) R4M rockets
- 2 × 250 kg (551 lb) bombs or 2 × 500 kg (1,102 lb) bombs
** Messerschmitt Me 262 - Warbird Fare