Difference between revisions of "Me 262 A-1a"

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{{Specs-Card|code=me-262a-1a}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=me-262a-1a}}
 +
  
 
== 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.''
+
<!--''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.''-->
 +
 
 +
[[File:GarageImage Me262A1a.jpg ‎|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''Me 262 A-1a Schwalbe''' is a Rank V German jet fighter with a battle rating of 7.3 (AB) and 7.0 (RB/SB). It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
 +
 
 +
[[File:Me262 intercepting B-29.png|thumbnail|left|The Schwalbe in its interceptor role. [http://live.warthunder.com/post/36378/ Historic camouflage] of the 2./KG51 'Edelweiß']]
 +
This aircraft is a true heavy fighter in every way. Thus, the following is guaranteed: bomber "box formations" fall apart under your heavy rocket bombardments, flying fortresses perish within seconds by this machine's mighty claws '''''and''''' the unusually low velocity of the German "sledgehammer" MK 108 cannons this aircraft wields will probably drive you insane.
 +
 
 +
The MK 108 has insane damage potential, with the second greatest in-game burst mass of 14.52 kg/s (32.01 lbs/s) and the great explosive warhead "Minengeschoss" (=mine-shell) this weapon will vaporize aircraft, especially bombers. But every coin has a flip side and the "Sledeghammer" is no exception. The amazing rate of fire is exchanged with a very short barrel and small propellant charges, resulting in very bad ballistics. The MK 108 cannon fires the slowest shells with the greatest bullet drop in the game. Thus, the MK 108 makes no compromises, only and excels in the "extremes".
 +
 
 +
As you might guessed, The MK 108 is a very bad anti-fighter weapon particularly in jet to jet combat. Bullet drop and slow velocity results in a severe difficulty leading shots at ranges above 300 meters (350 yd). In dogfights where both aircraft are constantly turning and changing direction, this trait gets even worse. The high speeds of jet battle push the necessary lead for hitting the target high and very far in front of the enemy. Training with this weapon system in a custom battle against random enemies is heavily advised.
 +
 
 +
The MK 108 cannons have an ammo indicator in the cockpit, which is a bonus for sim pilots. It sits directly beneath the compass (the one with the little plane in the middle). A typical bar ammunition counter of the Luftwaffe. The left white column is for the two top auto-cannons. The right one is for the bottom two cannons, this bar is also taller than the left one as the ammo count is different for the two pairs.
 +
 
 +
[[File:Cockpit_Me262.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Schwalbe's instrument panel.]]
  
 
== 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.''
+
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 824 || 798 || 12,500 || 29.0 || 30.0 || 16.0 || 15.0 || 750
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 909|| 865 || 12,500 || 27.7 || 28.0 || 24.5 || 20.0 || 750
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
====Details====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! +
 +
! -
 +
|-
 +
| 1,050 || 450 || 550 || ~17 || ~8
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| < 500 || < 600 || < 580 || > 250
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|-
 +
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|- -->
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.''
+
<!--''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.''-->
 +
* 15 mm Steel - Behind pilot
 +
* 15 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
 +
* 15 mm Steel - Between cockpit and fore fuel tank
 +
* 15 mm Steel - Instrument panel plate
 +
* 16 mm Steel x 2 - Ammunition protection plates
 +
* 90 mm Bulletproof glass
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''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.''
+
<!--''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 Me 262 A-1a is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons (2 x 100 rpg top + 2 x 80 rpg bottom = 360 total)
  
 +
The all four cannons are arranged in bundles of two mounted on the underside of the upper mounted in the nose of the aircraft. Two are outfitted with 100 rpg, while the other two have 30 rpg.
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
''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.''
 
''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|Rockets}}
  
 +
The Me 262 A-1a can externally outfit:
 +
* 24 x 55 mm R4M rockets
 +
* 48 x 55 mm R4M rockets
 +
<!--
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
''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.''
 
''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.''
 +
-->
 +
== Usage in the battles ==
 +
<!--''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).''-->
 +
====Tactics====
 +
<!--Specific methods of play in different situations, label the methods with pros and cons (if possible) based on vehicle's performances (i.e. Me 262 playing as a fighter or anti-bomber)-->
 +
As a heavy fighter, the 'Schwalbe' 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 older 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 'Schwalbe' 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.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
The Schwalbe has three main possible usages:
−
''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).''
+
*'''Air-supremacy-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.
 +
These tactics are virtually the same as used by the Fw 190 series and also works on all early jets ([[Meteor F.3]], [[P-80A-5|P-80]], [[MiG-9]], [[F2H-2 Banshee|F2H]], [[Kikka]], [[R2Y2 Keiun-KAI V1|R2Y2]]), etc.<br>
 +
Against later jets, ([[Sea Meteor F. Mk.3|Sea Meteor]], [[La-15]], [[F9F-2 Panther|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.<br>
 +
Against these superior foes, one of the 262's lesser strengths can be used - the turn rate. For '''a few''' turns, the Schwalbe will easily outmaneuver most Korean War jets, apart from the naval carrier jets like the [[F9F-2 Panther|F9F Panther]] and [[Sea Meteor F. Mk.3|Seameteor]].<br />
 +
* '''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 Schwalbe has the option to carry up to 48 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 meters is suggested.
 +
 
 +
*'''Ground attacker''':
 +
Bad acceleration and a high stall speed - usually not the traits wielded by an attacker, but the Schwalbe as 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 and mini bases (~50 rocket impacts). 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 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.
 +
 
 +
====Specific enemies worth noting====
 +
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)-->
 +
Going against other countries would bring out their jets. Other countries' first generation jets include the [[P-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_Shooting_Star|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.<br />
 +
* 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.<br />
 +
* '''Turn rate''': '''''DO NOT TURN IN JETS!''''', or heavy fighters like in this case. Pure horizontal maneuvers are reserved for emergency situations and should be avoided accordingly.
 +
 
 +
As such, the Me 262 is often lacking in certain traits compared to its BR contemporaries. Always try to get a drop on the opponent and catch them by surprise rather than a straight-up dog-fight.
 +
 
 +
===Manual Engine Control===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" |Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! Flight performance
 +
! Survivability
 +
! Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage Repair
 +
|
 +
| R1 Modifications
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| Offensive 30 mm
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wing Repair
 +
|
 +
| R1/II Modifications
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| Engine
 +
| Cover
 +
| New 30 mm Cannons
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
The biggest issue of the Schwalbe is its bad acceleration across all speeds. Thus, ''Compressor'' and ''Engine'' upgrades have the highest priority. The cannons' stock belts are decent, but the high explosive content increases with the new ammo in ''Offensive 30 mm''. Including them into the upgrade route is not a bad idea. The same applies for the rockets in the ''R1 modification''. Being able to knock out bases (~40) or tanks (direct hit) with these warheads makes a long game much easier to win. ''New 30 mm cannons'' is an interesting upgrade choice as it increases accuracy above 300 meters (350 yd), but the MK 108 will still be unable to hit any at 500 meters (600 yd).
  
 
=== 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".''
+
<!--''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".''-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
* '''Heavy''' armament, second highest one second burst mass of any aircraft in the game
 +
* Hard-Hitting shells destroys fighters in one or two hits and B-29s also only require about 3 hits
 +
* Decent energy retention (compared to other 7.0 BR aircraft)
 +
* Good payload against medium tanks, bases, and light pillboxes
 +
* Good roll rate at low speeds
 +
* Fairly manoeuvrable at low speeds compared to early jets
 +
* Engine pods can be used in place of landing gear for emergency landings at high speed
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
* Rather slow compared to most other jets
 +
* Bad acceleration
 +
* Poor rate of climb (Important if you want to intercept B-29s)
 +
* Not very nimble at high speeds
 +
* Poor turn rate
 +
* Awful guns for jet to jet combat ("snapshots" are possible, albeit very difficult)
 +
* Tends to "flip about" after doing a vertical manoeuvre
 +
* Unusually high wing angle of attack is required for level flight at most speed ranges so aircraft tends to bleed energy easier when turning
 +
* Fuel feed cuts off if flying with inverted G-loads for an extended period of time
 +
* Very exposed 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 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.''-->
 +
[[File:FighterImage_Me262V1 frontal.jpg|thumbnail|left|First prototype was fitted with a Jumo 210 600 hp and a wooden propeller. This saved the test pilot on at least one occasion.]]
 +
[[File:FighterImage_Me262v1 take off asymetrical.jpg|thumbnail|right|Asymmetrical jet engine test prototype,]]
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
== Media ==
 +
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
 +
* [http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23me262 '''Skins''' and '''camouflages''' for the Me 262 series from live.warthunder]
 +
* {{Youtube-gallery|vLjomUR1uvY|BaronVonGamez Review}}
  
−
== Media ==
 
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
 
  
 
== Read also ==
 
== Read also ==
Line 43: Line 301:
 
* ''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.''
+
<!--''ETC.''-->
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
Line 50: Line 308:
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{Germany jet aircrafts}}

Revision as of 23:40, 11 November 2018

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
Me 262 A-1a
me-262a-1a.png
Me 262 A-1a
Germany flag.png Germany
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.3 7.0 7.0
Class:
Research:95 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game


Description

GarageImage Me 262 A-1a.jpg


The Me 262 A-1a Schwalbe is a Rank V German jet fighter with a battle rating of 7.3 (AB) and 7.0 (RB/SB). It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.

The Schwalbe in its interceptor role. Historic camouflage of the 2./KG51 'Edelweiß'

This aircraft is a true heavy fighter in every way. Thus, the following is guaranteed: bomber "box formations" fall apart under your heavy rocket bombardments, flying fortresses perish within seconds by this machine's mighty claws and the unusually low velocity of the German "sledgehammer" MK 108 cannons this aircraft wields will probably drive you insane.

The MK 108 has insane damage potential, with the second greatest in-game burst mass of 14.52 kg/s (32.01 lbs/s) and the great explosive warhead "Minengeschoss" (=mine-shell) this weapon will vaporize aircraft, especially bombers. But every coin has a flip side and the "Sledeghammer" is no exception. The amazing rate of fire is exchanged with a very short barrel and small propellant charges, resulting in very bad ballistics. The MK 108 cannon fires the slowest shells with the greatest bullet drop in the game. Thus, the MK 108 makes no compromises, only and excels in the "extremes".

As you might guessed, The MK 108 is a very bad anti-fighter weapon particularly in jet to jet combat. Bullet drop and slow velocity results in a severe difficulty leading shots at ranges above 300 meters (350 yd). In dogfights where both aircraft are constantly turning and changing direction, this trait gets even worse. The high speeds of jet battle push the necessary lead for hitting the target high and very far in front of the enemy. Training with this weapon system in a custom battle against random enemies is heavily advised.

The MK 108 cannons have an ammo indicator in the cockpit, which is a bonus for sim pilots. It sits directly beneath the compass (the one with the little plane in the middle). A typical bar ammunition counter of the Luftwaffe. The left white column is for the two top auto-cannons. The right one is for the bottom two cannons, this bar is also taller than the left one as the ammo count is different for the two pairs.

The Schwalbe's instrument panel.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,000 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
824 798 12,500 29.0 30.0 16.0 15.0 750
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,000 m) 		Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
909 865 12,500 27.7 28.0 24.5 20.0 750

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flap
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
1,050 450 550 ~17 ~8
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 500 < 600 < 580 > 250
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
 ?,??? m  ??? hp  ?,??? hp

Survivability and armour

  • 15 mm Steel - Behind pilot
  • 15 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
  • 15 mm Steel - Between cockpit and fore fuel tank
  • 15 mm Steel - Instrument panel plate
  • 16 mm Steel x 2 - Ammunition protection plates
  • 90 mm Bulletproof glass

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: MK 108 (30 mm)

The Me 262 A-1a is armed with:

  • 4 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons (2 x 100 rpg top + 2 x 80 rpg bottom = 360 total)

The all four cannons are arranged in bundles of two mounted on the underside of the upper mounted in the nose of the aircraft. Two are outfitted with 100 rpg, while the other two have 30 rpg.

Suspended armament

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 article: Rockets

The Me 262 A-1a can externally outfit:

  • 24 x 55 mm R4M rockets
  • 48 x 55 mm R4M rockets

Usage in the battles

Tactics

As a heavy fighter, the 'Schwalbe' 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 older 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 'Schwalbe' 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.

The Schwalbe has three main possible usages:

  • Air-supremacy-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.

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 Schwalbe will easily outmaneuver most Korean War jets, apart from the naval carrier jets like the F9F Panther and Seameteor.

  • 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 Schwalbe has the option to carry up to 48 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 meters is suggested.

  • Ground attacker:

Bad acceleration and a high stall speed - usually not the traits wielded by an attacker, but the Schwalbe as two very convincing arguments on its side: R4M rockets and bad matchmaking. The 24 (48 second unlock) rockets can destroy light pillboxes, medium tanks and mini bases (~50 rocket impacts). 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 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.

Specific enemies worth noting

Going against other countries would bring out their jets. Other countries' first generation jets include the P-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 maneuvers are reserved for emergency situations and should be avoided accordingly.

As such, the Me 262 is often lacking in certain traits compared to its BR contemporaries. Always try to get a drop on the opponent and catch them by surprise rather than a straight-up dog-fight.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not ontrollable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair R1 Modifications
II Compressor Airframe Offensive 30 mm
III Wing Repair R1/II Modifications
IV Engine Cover New 30 mm Cannons

The biggest issue of the Schwalbe is its bad acceleration across all speeds. Thus, Compressor and Engine upgrades have the highest priority. The cannons' stock belts are decent, but the high explosive content increases with the new ammo in Offensive 30 mm. Including them into the upgrade route is not a bad idea. The same applies for the rockets in the R1 modification. Being able to knock out bases (~40) or tanks (direct hit) with these warheads makes a long game much easier to win. New 30 mm cannons is an interesting upgrade choice as it increases accuracy above 300 meters (350 yd), but the MK 108 will still be unable to hit any at 500 meters (600 yd).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Heavy armament, second highest one second burst mass of any aircraft in the game
  • Hard-Hitting shells destroys fighters in one or two hits and B-29s also only require about 3 hits
  • Decent energy retention (compared to other 7.0 BR aircraft)
  • Good payload against medium tanks, bases, and light pillboxes
  • Good roll rate at low speeds
  • Fairly manoeuvrable at low speeds compared to early jets
  • Engine pods can be used in place of landing gear for emergency landings at high speed

Cons:

  • Rather slow compared to most other jets
  • Bad acceleration
  • Poor rate of climb (Important if you want to intercept B-29s)
  • Not very nimble at high speeds
  • Poor turn rate
  • Awful guns for jet to jet combat ("snapshots" are possible, albeit very difficult)
  • Tends to "flip about" after doing a vertical manoeuvre
  • Unusually high wing angle of attack is required for level flight at most speed ranges so aircraft tends to bleed energy easier when turning
  • Fuel feed cuts off if flying with inverted G-loads for an extended period of time
  • Very exposed engines that are very susceptible to damage.

History

First prototype was fitted with a Jumo 210 600 hp and a wooden propeller. This saved the test pilot on at least one occasion.
Asymmetrical jet engine test prototype,










Media


Read 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.

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • page on aircraft encyclopedia;
  • other literature.


Germany jet aircraft
Germany flag.png  Luftwaffe
He 162  He 162 A-1 · He 162 A-2
Me 163  Me 163 B · Me 163 B-0
Ho 229  Ho 229 V3
Ar 234  Ar 234 B-2 · Ar 234 C-3
Me 262  Me 262 A-1a · Me 262 A-1a/Jabo · Me 262 A-1a/U1 · Me 262 A-1/U4 · Me 262 A-2a
  Me 262 C-1a · Me 262 C-2b
GDR flag.png  LSK
Fighters  ◊MiG-15bis · ◊Lim-5P · ◊MiG-19S
  ◊MiG-21MF · ◊MiG-21bis-SAU · ◊MiG-21 "Lazur-M"
  ◊MiG-29
Attackers  ◊MiG-23BN · ◊MiG-23MF · ◊MiG-23MLA
  ◊Su-22UM3K · ◊Su-22M4
  ◊IL-28
FRG flag.png  Luftwaffe
F-84  ◄F-84F
F-86  ◄CL-13A Mk 5 · ◄CL-13B Mk.6 · ◄F-86K
F-104  ◄F-104G
F-4  ◄F-4F Early · ◄F-4F · ◄F-4F KWS LV
G.91  ◄G.91 R/3 · ◄G.91 R/4
Tornado  ◄Tornado IDS WTD61 · ◄Tornado IDS MFG · ◄Tornado IDS ASSTA1
Other  Alpha Jet A · ◄Sea Hawk Mk.100
Ex-LSK  ◄MiG-21 SPS-K · ◄MiG-29G · ◄Su-22M4 WTD61
Switzerland flag.png  Swiss Air Force
  ◌Hunter F.58 · FFA P-16

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