Difference between revisions of "He 162 A-2"

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{{Specs-Card|code=he-162a-2}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=he-162a-2}}
{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For the other version, see [[He 162 A-1]]''}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = German jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other version
 +
| link = He 162 A-1
 +
}}
 +
 
 
== 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 a 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 a 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_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in the garage]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in the garage]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German jet fighter {{Battle-rating|4}}. It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This jet fighter has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
  
 
== 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, manoeuvrability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 +
 
 +
[[File:Cockpit He162.jpg|x150px|right|thumb|none|Cockpit of the He 162]]
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
|-
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Stock
 +
| 800 || 775 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.4 || 32.3 || 19.1 || 18.1 || rowspan="2" | 750
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
+
! Upgraded
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
| 875 || 840 || 28.8 || 30.0 || 28.2 || 23.4
! 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
 
|-
 
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 53: Line 38:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
+
! colspan="6" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
! Take-off flap
 
! Landing flap
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 67: Line 48:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || 700 || ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 700 || 700 || 500 || ~12 || ~7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 83: Line 63:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
| < 500 || < 500 || < 580 || > 250
+
| < 500 || < 500 || < 580 || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
<!--
+
 
 +
==== Engine performance ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
+
! colspan="3" | Engine
 +
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
+
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 +
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
! Optimal altitude
+
| colspan="2" | BMW 003 ||  1
! 100% Engine power
+
| colspan="2" | 1,877 kg || colspan="2" | 205 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 0 m || 910 kgf || No WEP
+
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 +
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br />Weight
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
+
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 +
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
! Optimal altitude
+
| 673 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
! 100% Engine power
+
| 2,044 kg || 2,313 kg || 2,375 kg || 2,495 kg
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
+
! 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (108%)
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
+
! Condition || 100% || 108%
 +
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel || MTOW
 
|-
 
|-
! Optimal altitude
+
| ''Stationary'' || 801 kgf || 910 kgf
! 100% Engine power
+
| 0.46 || 0.39 || 0.38 || 0.36
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
+
| ''Optimal'' || 801 kgf<br />(0 km/h) || 910 kgf<br />(0 km/h)
 +
| 0.46 || 0.39 || 0.38 || 0.36
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
-->
+
 
 
=== 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 - bulkhead behind cockpit
 +
* Engine exposed on top of the fuselage
 +
* Fuel tanks in fuselage and wings below the engine
  
 
== 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|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
+
{{main|MG 151/20 (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 4 x 7.5 mm [[MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)|MAC 1934]] machine guns (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
+
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, chin-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total)
-->
 
  
 +
The twin MG 151s have the least stopping power out of all the early Tier 5 jets. However, when compared to the 30 mm Mk. 108's found on other German jets, its cannons have acceptable muzzle velocity, though this will remain a problem. The ammo count is less than enough considering the speeds at which jet combat takes place.
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in 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).''
 
''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).''
Line 155: Line 141:
 
! Type  
 
! Type  
 
|-
 
|-
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br> Automatic || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br> Automatic || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
===Modules===
 
===Modules===
 +
"Offensive 20mm", "Compressor", "Wings repair" then "Engine" in that and no other order! Why? The stock Mg151 belts are bad as they lack the very powerful HE ''Minengeschosse''. Compressor and Engine are no brainers. Everything that improves acceleration is a must for early jets. Wings repair is superior to new cannons, the stock Mg151 does not overheat and accuracy is acceptable in short bursts. 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan = "1"| Tier
+
! colspan="1" | Tier
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
+
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
+
! colspan="1" | Survivability
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
+
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
Line 193: Line 180:
  
 
=== 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. Try not to 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. Try not to 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:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Top speed in comparison to propeller planes of the same rank
 +
* Good acceleration for an early jet
 +
* Great bomber hunter
 +
* Matched with propeller planes so often
 +
* Good climb rate for an early jet, climbs even better than American jets of the same rank
 +
* Excellent dive rate, can catch up even the MiG-9 and F-84B-26 in shallow dive
 +
* Hard-hitting armament of two 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons that fires Minengeschoß shells
 +
* Does not have WEP, however throttle can push past 100% (up to 108% throttle)
 +
* Very good visibility
 +
* Good energy retention
 +
* Small wing surface area means difficult target when turning
 +
* Loses no energy in rudder turns
 +
* Can use its 108% throttle almost indefinitely above 6,000 m
 +
* Great roll rate
 +
* Affordable repair cost
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Lackluster top speed in comparison to most of early jets which makes it a cannon fodder for them
 +
* Outgunned and out-turned by later jets when up-tiered
 +
* Suitable only for energy fighting, avoid dogfights at all costs
 +
* Poor performance when stock
 +
* Ammo runs out quickly
 +
* Higher speed acceleration (above 800 kph) is significantly lower
 +
* Lose whole energy during elevator turns
 +
* Turn radius which is average isn't making any advantage for this plane towards other jets
 +
* Engine prone to take damage
 +
* Damage of fuselage and wings decreases performance significantly
 +
* 20mm MG 151/20 cannon muzzle velocity could be better
 +
* Extended usage of the throttle over 100% burns up the jet engine (deteriorates quality of use until its own destruction)
 +
* Difficult take off, struggles on some airfields
 +
* Good energy retention + high speed + absence of airbrakes = hard landing
 +
* Low roll stability
 +
* Engine mounted on top, vertical manoeuvre techniques need to account for the pitching-down moment of the engine thrust
 +
* Engine easily overheats below 2,000 m
  
 
== 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 "/ 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them 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 "/ History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. -->
 +
Initially, this Heinkel fighter was designated He 500, but by October, in order to fool enemy intelligence services, the RLM redesignated the plane He 162; the number being previously assigned to a Messerschmitt fast bomber prototype that competed with the Ju 88. At the same time, the fighter was named the Salamander, which initially was the codename for the very same fast bomber design. The official name at the start of introduction was ''Volksjäger'' to emphasize the usage as ''every man's fighter'' similar to ''Volkswagen'' aka VW.
 +
 
 +
Overall 170 to 320 aircraft were produced, most of them A-2 variants. The previous A-1 were first fitted with Mk108, but these shocked the airframe too hard and were changed into the less recoil-heavy Mg151/20. An interesting feature is the dorsal mounted engine. It serves two purposes; first: Easier maintenance like with Me 262s underwing gondolas and second - and most importantly: The high installation greatly reduced foreign object damage - or FOD. Unpaved runways were common on all sides in WW2 and rocks and other debris were often sucked into the intake -- the main cause of engine failures in early jets.
 +
 
 +
Albeit named the Volksjäger, the jet was a dangerous vehicle for beginners. Short flight time and a high stall speed compared to the gliders most recruits trained on caused a high after-combat crash rate, especially on landing approaches. Pilots often failed to attain the recommended landing speed of 250 kph (100 more than the Bf109) due either inexperience or lack of fuel. The high landing speed was the cause of even more deadly problems.
 +
 
 +
In the air, however, the aircraft was praised even by its foes. Allied pilots loved to take the captured He 162s into the air, praising its smooth flight and good controllability. The only downside was the weak rudder and weak in the literal meaning. RAF pilot, Flt Lt. R. A. Marks, despite being instructed not to use heavy rudder on high speed, performed a low-altitude, high-speed barrel roll during a demonstration. A fin and rudder assembly ripped out of its socket, the sudden loss of control and insufficient height resulted in a fatal crash.
 +
 
 +
Like the Me 262 Schwalbe, the Volksjäger proved to be too little too late.
 +
 
 +
=== In-game description ===
 +
Initially, this Heinkel fighter was designated He 500, but by October, in order to fool enemy intelligence services, the RLM redesignated the plane He 162; the number being previously assigned to a Messerschmitt fast bomber prototype that competed with the Ju 88. At the same time, the fighter was named the Salamander, which initially was the codename for the entire program.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 209: Line 240:
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''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.''
Line 214: Line 246:
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Heinkel}}
 
{{Germany jet aircrafts}}
 
{{Germany jet aircrafts}}

Revision as of 22:56, 4 April 2020

Rank VI Israel | Premium | Golden Eagles
Merkava Mk.2D Pack
he-162a-2.png
He 162 A-2
AB RB SB
6.3 6.0 6.7
Research:95 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the German jet fighter He 162 A-2. For other version, see He 162 A-1.

Description

The He 162 A-2 in the garage


The He 162 A-2 is a rank V German jet fighter with a battle rating of 6.3 (AB), 6.0 (RB), and 6.7 (SB). This jet fighter has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.

General info

Flight Performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, manoeuvrability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Cockpit of the He 162
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 800 775 12000 31.4 32.3 19.1 18.1 750
Upgraded 875 840 28.8 30.0 28.2 23.4

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 + -
1040 350 700 700 500 ~12 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 500 < 500 < 580 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Empty mass Wing loading (full fuel)
BMW 003 1 1,877 kg 205 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 7m fuel 20m fuel 23m fuel
673 kg Axial-flow turbojet 2,044 kg 2,313 kg 2,375 kg 2,495 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (108%)
Condition 100% 108% 7m fuel 20m fuel 23m fuel MTOW
Stationary 801 kgf 910 kgf 0.46 0.39 0.38 0.36
Optimal 801 kgf
(0 km/h)
910 kgf
(0 km/h)
0.46 0.39 0.38 0.36

Survivability and armour

  • 15 mm steel - bulkhead behind cockpit
  • Engine exposed on top of the fuselage
  • Fuel tanks in fuselage and wings below the engine

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: MG 151/20 (20 mm)

The He 162 A-2 is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, chin-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total)

The twin MG 151s have the least stopping power out of all the early Tier 5 jets. However, when compared to the 30 mm Mk. 108's found on other German jets, its cannons have acceptable muzzle velocity, though this will remain a problem. The ammo count is less than enough considering the speeds at which jet combat takes place.

Usage in 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).

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

"Offensive 20mm", "Compressor", "Wings repair" then "Engine" in that and no other order! Why? The stock Mg151 belts are bad as they lack the very powerful HE Minengeschosse. Compressor and Engine are no brainers. Everything that improves acceleration is a must for early jets. Wings repair is superior to new cannons, the stock Mg151 does not overheat and accuracy is acceptable in short bursts. 

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator
II Compressor Airframe
III Wings Repair Engine
IV Engine Injection Cover

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Top speed in comparison to propeller planes of the same rank
  • Good acceleration for an early jet
  • Great bomber hunter
  • Matched with propeller planes so often
  • Good climb rate for an early jet, climbs even better than American jets of the same rank
  • Excellent dive rate, can catch up even the MiG-9 and F-84B-26 in shallow dive
  • Hard-hitting armament of two 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons that fires Minengeschoß shells
  • Does not have WEP, however throttle can push past 100% (up to 108% throttle)
  • Very good visibility
  • Good energy retention
  • Small wing surface area means difficult target when turning
  • Loses no energy in rudder turns
  • Can use its 108% throttle almost indefinitely above 6,000 m
  • Great roll rate
  • Affordable repair cost

Cons:

  • Lackluster top speed in comparison to most of early jets which makes it a cannon fodder for them
  • Outgunned and out-turned by later jets when up-tiered
  • Suitable only for energy fighting, avoid dogfights at all costs
  • Poor performance when stock
  • Ammo runs out quickly
  • Higher speed acceleration (above 800 kph) is significantly lower
  • Lose whole energy during elevator turns
  • Turn radius which is average isn't making any advantage for this plane towards other jets
  • Engine prone to take damage
  • Damage of fuselage and wings decreases performance significantly
  • 20mm MG 151/20 cannon muzzle velocity could be better
  • Extended usage of the throttle over 100% burns up the jet engine (deteriorates quality of use until its own destruction)
  • Difficult take off, struggles on some airfields
  • Good energy retention + high speed + absence of airbrakes = hard landing
  • Low roll stability
  • Engine mounted on top, vertical manoeuvre techniques need to account for the pitching-down moment of the engine thrust
  • Engine easily overheats below 2,000 m

History

Initially, this Heinkel fighter was designated He 500, but by October, in order to fool enemy intelligence services, the RLM redesignated the plane He 162; the number being previously assigned to a Messerschmitt fast bomber prototype that competed with the Ju 88. At the same time, the fighter was named the Salamander, which initially was the codename for the very same fast bomber design. The official name at the start of introduction was Volksjäger to emphasize the usage as every man's fighter similar to Volkswagen aka VW.

Overall 170 to 320 aircraft were produced, most of them A-2 variants. The previous A-1 were first fitted with Mk108, but these shocked the airframe too hard and were changed into the less recoil-heavy Mg151/20. An interesting feature is the dorsal mounted engine. It serves two purposes; first: Easier maintenance like with Me 262s underwing gondolas and second - and most importantly: The high installation greatly reduced foreign object damage - or FOD. Unpaved runways were common on all sides in WW2 and rocks and other debris were often sucked into the intake -- the main cause of engine failures in early jets.

Albeit named the Volksjäger, the jet was a dangerous vehicle for beginners. Short flight time and a high stall speed compared to the gliders most recruits trained on caused a high after-combat crash rate, especially on landing approaches. Pilots often failed to attain the recommended landing speed of 250 kph (100 more than the Bf109) due either inexperience or lack of fuel. The high landing speed was the cause of even more deadly problems.

In the air, however, the aircraft was praised even by its foes. Allied pilots loved to take the captured He 162s into the air, praising its smooth flight and good controllability. The only downside was the weak rudder and weak in the literal meaning. RAF pilot, Flt Lt. R. A. Marks, despite being instructed not to use heavy rudder on high speed, performed a low-altitude, high-speed barrel roll during a demonstration. A fin and rudder assembly ripped out of its socket, the sudden loss of control and insufficient height resulted in a fatal crash.

Like the Me 262 Schwalbe, the Volksjäger proved to be too little too late.

In-game description

Initially, this Heinkel fighter was designated He 500, but by October, in order to fool enemy intelligence services, the RLM redesignated the plane He 162; the number being previously assigned to a Messerschmitt fast bomber prototype that competed with the Ju 88. At the same time, the fighter was named the Salamander, which initially was the codename for the entire program.

Media

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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;
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External links

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Heinkel Aircraft Company (Heinkel Flugzeugwerke)
Fighters  He 51 A-1 · He 51 B-1 · He 51 B-2/H · He 51 C-1 · He 51 C-1/L
  He 100 D-1
  He 112 A-0 · He 112 B-0 · He 112 V-5
Jet fighters  He 162 A-1 · He 162 A-2
Twin-engine fighters  He 219 A-7
Bombers  He 111 H-3 · He 111 H-6 · He 111 H-16
  He 115 C-1
  He 177 A-5
Export  He 112 B-1/U2(Hungary) · He 112 B-1/U2(Romania) · He 112 B-2/U2 · A7He1
  T 2

Germany jet aircraft
Ar 234  Ar 234 B-2 · Ar 234 C-3
He 162  He 162 A-1 · He 162 A-2
Ho 229  Ho 229 V3
Me 163  Me 163 B · Me 163 B-0
Me 262 A  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  Me 262 C-1a · Me 262 C-2b
Tornado  ◄Tornado IDS WTD61 · ◄Tornado IDS MFG · ◄Tornado IDS ASSTA1
West Germany  Alpha Jet A
USA  ◄F-84F
  ◄CL-13A Mk 5 · ◄CL-13B Mk.6 · ◄F-86K
  ◄F-104G
  ◄F-4F Early · ◄F-4F
USSR  ◊MiG-15bis
  ◊MiG-19S
  ◄MiG-21 SPS-K · ◊MiG-21MF · ◊MiG-21bis-SAU · ◊MiG-21 "Lazur-M"
  ◊MiG-23BN · ◊MiG-23MF · ◊MiG-23MLA
  ◊MiG-29 · ◄MiG-29G
  ◊Su-22UM3K · ◊Su-22M4
  ◊IL-28
Poland  ◊Lim-5P
Britain  ◄Sea Hawk Mk.100 · ◌Hunter F.58 (Swiss)
Italy  ◄G.91 R/3 · ◄G.91 R/4