Difference between revisions of "Me 262 A-2a"

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{{Specs-Card|code=me-262a-2a}}
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{{About
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| about = gift German jet aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = Me 262 (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=me-262a-2a
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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|market=Me.262A-2a Sturmvogel
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
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<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} German strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]] as a reward vehicle for the [[wt:en/news/4416-special-war-thunder-winter-holiday-en|2016 "Winter Holiday"]] event.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
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! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 824 || 798 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.9 || 29.9 || 16.0 || 14.9 || rowspan="2" | 750
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 909|| 865 || 27.7 || 28.0 || 24.5 || 20.0
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 558 || 529 || 380 || ~11 || ~5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 500 || < 600 || < 680 || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Engine performance ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine
 +
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 +
! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="2" | Junkers Jumo 004B-1 ||  2
 +
| colspan="3" | 4,080 kg || colspan="3" |  278 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 +
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br/>Weight
 +
|-
 +
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 +
! 16m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel
 +
|-
 +
| 720 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
 +
| 4,694 kg || 4,841 kg || 5,209 kg || 5,761 kg || 6,055 kg || 6,520 kg
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 +
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
 +
|-
 +
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 +
! 16m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel || MTOW
 +
|-
 +
| ''Stationary'' || 910 kgf || N/A
 +
| 0.39 || 0.38 || 0.35 || 0.32 || 0.30 || 0.28
 +
|-
 +
| ''Optimal'' || 910 kgf<br/>(0 km/h) || N/A
 +
| 0.39 || 0.38 || 0.35 || 0.32 || 0.30 || 0.28
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
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<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 90 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
 +
* 16.5 mm Steel plates in front of 30 mm Mk 108 ammo boxes.
 +
* 15 mm Steel plates in fuselage in front of pilot.
 +
* 15 mm Steel plates behind the pilot.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
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''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
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{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
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<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 2 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons, nose-mounted (100 rpg = 200 total)
 +
 
 +
The two cannons are arranged in the nose of the aircraft. Each are armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that both guns will fire together until empty.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
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''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
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<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)|R4M}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
=== Defensive armament ===
+
* Without load
−
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
+
* 24 x R4M rockets
 +
* 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (500 kg total)
 +
* 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (500 kg total)
  
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== Usage in the battles ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
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''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
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<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The Me 262 A-2a has can be utilized in several ways:
 +
 
 +
'''Air-superiority fighter''' - Find and destroy other fighters. While the historic purpose of the Me 262 was bomber interception, it performs well against other fighters. However, it must be played like a heavy fighter or, for instance, the Fw 190 series. Be careful and plan every step ahead, including your retreat and how you will regain lost energy. A standard attack looks like the following:
 +
 
 +
# Find a target already engaged in combat and busy or an enemy who is alone.
 +
# Position yourself with either a speed or energy advantage in the enemy's blind-spot (where they would least expect you, attacking with the sun behind you is a good tactic).
 +
# Proceed closer to the enemy aircraft with the energy advantage you hold.
 +
# Launch a deadly surprise attack.
 +
# Escape any other nearby enemies with a "zoom climb" or a continuation of the approach at your maximum speed.
 +
# Once enough separation has been gained (3-5 km), regain energy by accelerating or climbing. Likewise, engaging a different target who has lower energy is an option.
 +
# Ground attack with bombs or rocket
 +
 
 +
These tactics are virtually the same as used by the Fw 190 series and also works on all early jets ([[Meteor F Mk 3|Meteor F.3]], [[F-80A-5|P-80]], [[MiG-9]], [[F2H-2|F2H]], [[Kikka]], [[R2Y2 Kai V1|R2Y2]]), etc.
 +
 
 +
Against later jets, ([[Sea Meteor F Mk 3|Sea Meteor]], [[La-15]], [[F9F-2|F9F]]), it gets trickier as they can easily neglect any energy advantage you built up due to their superior acceleration. The approach suggested above will still work, but needs to be executed with even more caution. Having allies nearby to assist is also often mandatory in matches like these, as a single 262 bears little threat to Korean War jets.
 +
 
 +
Against these superior foes, one of the 262's lesser strengths can be used - the turn rate. For a few turns, the A-2a can out-manoeuvre most Korean War jets, apart from the naval carrier jets like the [[F9F-2|F9F Panther]] and [[Sea Meteor F Mk 3|Sea Meteor]].
 +
 
 +
'''Bomber interceptor''' - History's call. Seek and annihilate any heavy bombers with the impressive armament the Me 262 brings to the battlefield. Avoid getting shot at though! The 262's engines are weak and like to burn. If the engines catch on fire, throttle down and then shut off the engine (default "i") and go into a dive to gain speed. Rockets are also fun in this mode, as the A-2a has the option to carry up to 24, 55 mm R4M rockets. Don't forget to set a detonation timer for the R4M missiles so they do not require direct hits. 600-800 m is suggested.
 +
 
 +
'''Ground attacker''' - Bad acceleration and a high stall speed - usually not the traits wielded by an attacker, but the A-2a has two very convincing arguments on its side: R4M rockets and bad [[Matchmaker|matchmaking]]. The 24 (48 second unlock) rockets can destroy light pillboxes, medium tanks, fortifications and mini bases with either the twin 250 Kg or single 500 Kg SC bomb. Peculiar to note is the ability of the MK 108 to destroy light pillboxes. 60-80 shots are needed from a very low angle and from short distance. Also, the Me 262 can get dragged up to games where it will face Korean War era jets. One could try, as an experienced pilot, to get the best out of the situation. Those who are not as skilled at ground attacking still benefit the team; if the match starts to take longer, a ground victory becomes an viable option. The same applies if the last enemy is hiding and the tickets start to count down.
 +
 
 +
As a heavy fighter, the A-2a is not nimble, but neither are other first generation jets. Compared to them, the Me 262 is actually quite agile and possesses a speed, roll, and damage output advantage against certain adversaries.
 +
 
 +
However, don't be fooled - this aircraft was the first operational jet fighter. Generally, anything 3 years younger than the 262 outclasses it. Against them, the 262's turn rate is your only advantage. Except Meteors. Avoid combat with Meteors if possible however if engaged in a sea meteor or later variant, do not simply dive as it will only make your situation worse. Try alternating barrel rolls to force them to overshoot. Joystick users can try the classic trick of banking the aircraft about 120-180 degrees out of phase of the enemy aircraft with a positive G-load but as usual they will need to watch their altitude carefully.
 +
 
 +
The A-2a climb rate is actually not too bad as stock in 6.0-7.0 games but to climb well you need to be around 450 to 500 km/h for best climb rate which can be visually unappealing due to its low angle of climb. This in itself can be used to out-run and climb simultaneously as an advantage.
 +
 
 +
Comparisons - Other countries' first generation jets include the [[F-80A-5]], [[Meteor F Mk 3|Meteor Mk. 3]], [[Vampire_FB 5|Vampire]], [[MiG-9]], [[Kikka]] and [[Yak-15]]. The Me 262 is the heaviest of them and thus reigns straight line kinetic energy retention at high speeds. Top speed goes to the [[F-80C-10|F-80]], followed by the MiG-9 and Meteor F.4. Not all is grim though! Both the Vampire and Yak-15 sit far at the end of the spectrum. The [[Sea_Meteor_F_Mk 3|Sea Meteor]] has the best acceleration in the horizontal, although it will break apart before it can reach its top speed. In the vertical, however, the weight and design of the Me 262 allows for the most rapid dive in this time era. Turn rate: do not turn in jets!, or heavy fighters like in this case. Pure horizontal manoeuvres are reserved for emergency situations and should be avoided accordingly.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Essentially the same aircraft as the 262 A-1a
 +
* Half of the default belt shells consist of Minengeschoß shell, which is deadly against anything, especially bombers
 +
* Firing cannons does not slow you down as much as the A-1a
 +
* Decent energy retention
 +
* Able to do some ground support with ordnance and then switch back as a fighter once payload is spent
 +
* Good roll rate at low speeds
 +
* Comes with a extremely unique camouflage paint scheme
 +
* Fairly manoeuvrable at low speeds compared to most early jets
 +
* Engine cowlings can be used in place of landing gear for emergency landings at high speed
 +
* Despite carrying only half the armament of the A-1a model, it is still a very capable fighter
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Has only two 30 mm MK 108 cannons, so precise aiming is required
 +
* Rather slow compared to most other jets
 +
* Bad acceleration, just like most early jets
 +
* Sluggish rate of climb, even with upgrades, still get out-climbed by the propeller driven aircraft like the Mark 24 Spitfire
 +
* Not very nimble at high speeds
 +
* Despite being reward aircraft, it does not make the same amount of SL like a premium aircraft
 +
* Poor turn rate
 +
* Awful shell velocity for jet to jet combat ("snapshots" are possible, albeit very difficult)
 +
* Despite the ability to carry ordnance, the 262 A-2a is not a dedicated ground support aircraft
 +
* Tends to "flip about" after doing a vertical manoeuvre
 +
* Unusually high angle of attack is required for level flight at most speed ranges as the Me 262 A-2a tends to bleed energy when turning
 +
* Fuel feed cuts off if flying with inverted G-loads for an extended period of time
 +
* Exposed jet engines that are very susceptible to damage
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
The A-2a ''Sturmvogel'' was developed due to Hitler's continued insistence on developing the Me-262 into a fighter-bomber variant. In May 1944, after learning the fighter-bomber role had not been worked on, Hitler reaffirmed his order that such an aircraft must take precedent over the fighter variant without further delay. Any modification of the existing 262's airframe were already problematic and it forced designers at Messerschmitt to make compromises for the fighter-bomber variant. This included the removal of two of the four 30 mm cannons in the nose. This was to help offset an inherent imbalance of the airframe, especially once the payload was dropped and the weight was lifted. The ''Sturmvogel'' also received two hardpoints for carrying bombs. These changes would ultimately produce a heavier Me-262 with altered flight characteristics and experienced pilots to operate them. However by 1944, the Luftwaffe has lost air superiority over the skies of Europe and experienced pilots were coming up in short supply. Ultimately development of the fighter variant was allowed to proceed with every 20th Me-262 set aside for the fighter role. Yet even these were requested to be completed with some sort of bomb-carrying/release modification.<ref>https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=108</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=me-262a-2a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Videos
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
{{Youtube-gallery|V77eUJjifzM|'''The Me-262 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:54 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
 
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
=== References ===
 +
<references />
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
 +
{{Germany jet aircraft}}
 +
{{Winter Event}}

Latest revision as of 22:26, 5 August 2022

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the gift German jet aircraft Me 262 A-2a. For other versions, see Me 262 (Family).
Me 262 A-2a
me-262a-2a.png
GarageImage Me 262 A-2a.jpg
Me 262 A-2a
Germany flag.png Germany
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.7 6.7 6.7
Class:
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

The Me 262 A-2a Sturmvogel is a gift rank V German strike aircraft with a battle rating of 6.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced during Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai" as a reward vehicle for the 2016 "Winter Holiday" event.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 000 m865 km/h
Turn time28 s
Max altitude12 500 m
Engine2 х Junkers Jumo 004B-1
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight7 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 824 798 12500 28.9 29.9 16.0 14.9 750
Upgraded 909 865 27.7 28.0 24.5 20.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ X X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1050 450 558 529 380 ~11 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 500 < 600 < 680 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Empty mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Junkers Jumo 004B-1 2 4,080 kg 278 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 16m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 53m fuel
720 kg Axial-flow turbojet 4,694 kg 4,841 kg 5,209 kg 5,761 kg 6,055 kg 6,520 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 16m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 53m fuel MTOW
Stationary 910 kgf N/A 0.39 0.38 0.35 0.32 0.30 0.28
Optimal 910 kgf
(0 km/h) 		N/A 0.39 0.38 0.35 0.32 0.30 0.28

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural1 050 km/h
Gear450 km/h
  • 90 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
  • 16.5 mm Steel plates in front of 30 mm Mk 108 ammo boxes.
  • 15 mm Steel plates in fuselage in front of pilot.
  • 15 mm Steel plates behind the pilot.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 926 → 4 974 Sl icon.png
RB7 083 → 8 974 Sl icon.png
SB9 836 → 12 462 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications91 100 Rp icon.png
147 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training86 000 Sl icon.png
Experts300 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 700 Ge icon.png
Research Aces720 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 250 / 600 % Sl icon.png
196 / 196 / 196 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
9 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
9 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mk108_belt_pack
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 250
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mk108_new_gun
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 500
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
R1 modification
Research:
9 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 30 mm MK 108 cannon
Ammunition200 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: MK 108 (30 mm)

The Me 262 A-2a is armed with:

  • 2 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons, nose-mounted (100 rpg = 200 total)

The two cannons are arranged in the nose of the aircraft. Each are armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that both guns will fire together until empty.

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 124 x R4M rockets
Setup 22 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb
Setup 31 x 500 kg SC500K bomb
Main articles: SC250JA (250 kg), SC500K (500 kg), R4M

The Me 262 A-2a can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 24 x R4M rockets
  • 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (500 kg total)
  • 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (500 kg total)

Usage in battles

The Me 262 A-2a has can be utilized in several ways:

Air-superiority fighter - Find and destroy other fighters. While the historic purpose of the Me 262 was bomber interception, it performs well against other fighters. However, it must be played like a heavy fighter or, for instance, the Fw 190 series. Be careful and plan every step ahead, including your retreat and how you will regain lost energy. A standard attack looks like the following:

  1. Find a target already engaged in combat and busy or an enemy who is alone.
  2. Position yourself with either a speed or energy advantage in the enemy's blind-spot (where they would least expect you, attacking with the sun behind you is a good tactic).
  3. Proceed closer to the enemy aircraft with the energy advantage you hold.
  4. Launch a deadly surprise attack.
  5. Escape any other nearby enemies with a "zoom climb" or a continuation of the approach at your maximum speed.
  6. Once enough separation has been gained (3-5 km), regain energy by accelerating or climbing. Likewise, engaging a different target who has lower energy is an option.
  7. Ground attack with bombs or rocket

These tactics are virtually the same as used by the Fw 190 series and also works on all early jets (Meteor F.3, P-80, MiG-9, F2H, Kikka, R2Y2), etc.

Against later jets, (Sea Meteor, La-15, F9F), it gets trickier as they can easily neglect any energy advantage you built up due to their superior acceleration. The approach suggested above will still work, but needs to be executed with even more caution. Having allies nearby to assist is also often mandatory in matches like these, as a single 262 bears little threat to Korean War jets.

Against these superior foes, one of the 262's lesser strengths can be used - the turn rate. For a few turns, the A-2a can out-manoeuvre most Korean War jets, apart from the naval carrier jets like the F9F Panther and Sea Meteor.

Bomber interceptor - History's call. Seek and annihilate any heavy bombers with the impressive armament the Me 262 brings to the battlefield. Avoid getting shot at though! The 262's engines are weak and like to burn. If the engines catch on fire, throttle down and then shut off the engine (default "i") and go into a dive to gain speed. Rockets are also fun in this mode, as the A-2a has the option to carry up to 24, 55 mm R4M rockets. Don't forget to set a detonation timer for the R4M missiles so they do not require direct hits. 600-800 m is suggested.

Ground attacker - Bad acceleration and a high stall speed - usually not the traits wielded by an attacker, but the A-2a has two very convincing arguments on its side: R4M rockets and bad matchmaking. The 24 (48 second unlock) rockets can destroy light pillboxes, medium tanks, fortifications and mini bases with either the twin 250 Kg or single 500 Kg SC bomb. Peculiar to note is the ability of the MK 108 to destroy light pillboxes. 60-80 shots are needed from a very low angle and from short distance. Also, the Me 262 can get dragged up to games where it will face Korean War era jets. One could try, as an experienced pilot, to get the best out of the situation. Those who are not as skilled at ground attacking still benefit the team; if the match starts to take longer, a ground victory becomes an viable option. The same applies if the last enemy is hiding and the tickets start to count down.

As a heavy fighter, the A-2a is not nimble, but neither are other first generation jets. Compared to them, the Me 262 is actually quite agile and possesses a speed, roll, and damage output advantage against certain adversaries.

However, don't be fooled - this aircraft was the first operational jet fighter. Generally, anything 3 years younger than the 262 outclasses it. Against them, the 262's turn rate is your only advantage. Except Meteors. Avoid combat with Meteors if possible however if engaged in a sea meteor or later variant, do not simply dive as it will only make your situation worse. Try alternating barrel rolls to force them to overshoot. Joystick users can try the classic trick of banking the aircraft about 120-180 degrees out of phase of the enemy aircraft with a positive G-load but as usual they will need to watch their altitude carefully.

The A-2a climb rate is actually not too bad as stock in 6.0-7.0 games but to climb well you need to be around 450 to 500 km/h for best climb rate which can be visually unappealing due to its low angle of climb. This in itself can be used to out-run and climb simultaneously as an advantage.

Comparisons - Other countries' first generation jets include the F-80A-5, Meteor Mk. 3, Vampire, MiG-9, Kikka and Yak-15. The Me 262 is the heaviest of them and thus reigns straight line kinetic energy retention at high speeds. Top speed goes to the F-80, followed by the MiG-9 and Meteor F.4. Not all is grim though! Both the Vampire and Yak-15 sit far at the end of the spectrum. The Sea Meteor has the best acceleration in the horizontal, although it will break apart before it can reach its top speed. In the vertical, however, the weight and design of the Me 262 allows for the most rapid dive in this time era. Turn rate: do not turn in jets!, or heavy fighters like in this case. Pure horizontal manoeuvres are reserved for emergency situations and should be avoided accordingly.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Essentially the same aircraft as the 262 A-1a
  • Half of the default belt shells consist of Minengeschoß shell, which is deadly against anything, especially bombers
  • Firing cannons does not slow you down as much as the A-1a
  • Decent energy retention
  • Able to do some ground support with ordnance and then switch back as a fighter once payload is spent
  • Good roll rate at low speeds
  • Comes with a extremely unique camouflage paint scheme
  • Fairly manoeuvrable at low speeds compared to most early jets
  • Engine cowlings can be used in place of landing gear for emergency landings at high speed
  • Despite carrying only half the armament of the A-1a model, it is still a very capable fighter

Cons:

  • Has only two 30 mm MK 108 cannons, so precise aiming is required
  • Rather slow compared to most other jets
  • Bad acceleration, just like most early jets
  • Sluggish rate of climb, even with upgrades, still get out-climbed by the propeller driven aircraft like the Mark 24 Spitfire
  • Not very nimble at high speeds
  • Despite being reward aircraft, it does not make the same amount of SL like a premium aircraft
  • Poor turn rate
  • Awful shell velocity for jet to jet combat ("snapshots" are possible, albeit very difficult)
  • Despite the ability to carry ordnance, the 262 A-2a is not a dedicated ground support aircraft
  • Tends to "flip about" after doing a vertical manoeuvre
  • Unusually high angle of attack is required for level flight at most speed ranges as the Me 262 A-2a tends to bleed energy when turning
  • Fuel feed cuts off if flying with inverted G-loads for an extended period of time
  • Exposed jet engines that are very susceptible to damage

History

The A-2a Sturmvogel was developed due to Hitler's continued insistence on developing the Me-262 into a fighter-bomber variant. In May 1944, after learning the fighter-bomber role had not been worked on, Hitler reaffirmed his order that such an aircraft must take precedent over the fighter variant without further delay. Any modification of the existing 262's airframe were already problematic and it forced designers at Messerschmitt to make compromises for the fighter-bomber variant. This included the removal of two of the four 30 mm cannons in the nose. This was to help offset an inherent imbalance of the airframe, especially once the payload was dropped and the weight was lifted. The Sturmvogel also received two hardpoints for carrying bombs. These changes would ultimately produce a heavier Me-262 with altered flight characteristics and experienced pilots to operate them. However by 1944, the Luftwaffe has lost air superiority over the skies of Europe and experienced pilots were coming up in short supply. Ultimately development of the fighter variant was allowed to proceed with every 20th Me-262 set aside for the fighter role. Yet even these were requested to be completed with some sort of bomb-carrying/release modification.[1]

Media

Skins
Videos
The Me-262 family discusses the Me 262 A-2a at 3:54 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.


External links

References

  1. ↑ https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=108


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