Nazi Jet-Planes?
- Owain Glyndwr
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- Mauser K98k
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The first prototype of the Me262 was flown in July '42. They had many problems with the new jet engines, but by late '43, the Junkers engineers had solved enough of them to allow the Me262 to go into mass production.
That was when Hitler (verbally) insisted the Me 262 be configured as a bomber rather than a fighter. Hitler's "orders" were ignored, because no one took it as anything more than the nonsensical suggestions of a layman. The Me 262 was exclusively produced as a fighter, but when this was discovered by the Führer, he threw a shitfit, and an immediate conversion of all planes was ordered. This delay, plus Allied bombing raids, pilot shortage, etc., doomed the project to a non-factor.
That was when Hitler (verbally) insisted the Me 262 be configured as a bomber rather than a fighter. Hitler's "orders" were ignored, because no one took it as anything more than the nonsensical suggestions of a layman. The Me 262 was exclusively produced as a fighter, but when this was discovered by the Führer, he threw a shitfit, and an immediate conversion of all planes was ordered. This delay, plus Allied bombing raids, pilot shortage, etc., doomed the project to a non-factor.
- Owain Glyndwr
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- Mauser K98k
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- Mauser K98k
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What I meant was that the Americans would probably have switched to night bombing missions like the Brits.
The USAAF Bomber Command almost gave up the Daylight Bombing concept after the Second Schweinfurt mission because losses were at an unacceptable level. I think in early '44 the jets would have had a devastating effect on morale in spite of the P-51's escort. On the other hand, the 262's were vulnerable while landing, so the P-51's may have been able to neutralize them.
As far as the fuel shortage problem, the jets used a kerosene-type fuel which had to be far more plentiful than high-octane Benzin used by the piston powered aircraft.
Pilot shortage was definitely a huge problem, however, so in the final analysis, you're probably right, Polona.
The USAAF Bomber Command almost gave up the Daylight Bombing concept after the Second Schweinfurt mission because losses were at an unacceptable level. I think in early '44 the jets would have had a devastating effect on morale in spite of the P-51's escort. On the other hand, the 262's were vulnerable while landing, so the P-51's may have been able to neutralize them.
As far as the fuel shortage problem, the jets used a kerosene-type fuel which had to be far more plentiful than high-octane Benzin used by the piston powered aircraft.
Pilot shortage was definitely a huge problem, however, so in the final analysis, you're probably right, Polona.
I read that book(?) ages ago in German. The title then was 'Raketenjäger Me 163 - by one that Survived' , which just about says it all about the military value of the a/c.Mauser K98k wrote:I would recommend reading Mano Ziegler's very interesting book "Rocket Fighter" about flying and dogfighting in the Me163 Komet. Ziegler and his komrads had superhuman courage to fly those nasty unforgiving little bastards.
another book on a useless aircraft
I'd suggest a copy of Wolfgang Späte's "Top Secret Bird" not a bad read if you care to read up more on this little piece of crap of an a/c.......Me 163
~E
~E
- Mauser K98k
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Mauser K98k wrote:Locke wrote:Lippisch's airplanes are very interesting, altough they weren't used in combat......
Actually, the Me163 Komet was a Lippisch design. Although it did get into combat, it probably killed more Germans than Americans.
You are right, I was thinking only of Lippisch P 13. Sorry, my mistake.
An interesting statement by General Walter Krupinski about Me 163
"Wolfgang Spaete, one good friend, flew the Me 163. I heard, for it it was problem that the thing exploded if both fuels came together. Because of this they had heavy losses. "Object fighter" only could be needed when, as we called it. You could let it climb only if they had already sighted the bombers and she then flew very fast highly. The main tactics as far as she is known to me consisted in, in attacking from above in withouting fuel if possible. I know no-one who has enjoyed flying her since she was a damned dangerous thing to flying. I would say it was a crazy idea - this is my opinion. If you have a fighter and must use up the fuel first, must then attack and then go through a gliding flight landing, this not seems to me particularly meaningfully"
Luftwaffengeneral Walter Krupinski
From http://www.b17bomber.de/english/me163.htm
Regards,
Polona
more books
For the Me 262 I would suggest Manfred Boehme's JG 7 and Classic Publications 4 volume set on the jet.
~E
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What is your opinion of He 162, this almost wooden jet? Some pilots almost praised it - most of the faults of He 162 were made due to the lack of time for planning and producing the airplane.
From http://www.luftwaffepics.com
Regards,
Polona
From http://www.luftwaffepics.com
Regards,
Polona