Difference between revisions of "Me 262 A-1a/U1"

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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
The Me 262 A-1a/U1 severely lacks engine power compared to its contemporaries and is heavy, resulting in a lacklustre acceleration and a poor climb rate. Control surfaces compress above 650 km/h and G-LOC becomes prominent when slightly manoeuvring above 700 km/h. It also performs poorly in a stall, as the control surfaces become ineffective below 350 km/h, making recoveries difficult.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
| 825 || 798 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.4 || 30.4 || 16.2 || 15.3 || rowspan="2" | 750
+
| 823 || 797 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.3 || 30.1 || 15.7 || 14.7 || rowspan="2" | 750
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
Line 81: Line 82:
 
! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="2" | Junkers Jumo 004B-1 || 2
+
| colspan="2" | Junkers Jumo 004B-1 || 2
| colspan="3" | 4,550 kg || colspan="3" | 300 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="3" | 4,550 kg || colspan="3" | 310 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
Line 117: Line 118:
 
* 16 mm Steel x 2 - Ammunition protection plates
 
* 16 mm Steel x 2 - Ammunition protection plates
 
* 90 mm Bulletproof glass
 
* 90 mm Bulletproof glass
 +
 +
The engines are very fragile. Any hit at this BR often results in critical damage
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 137: Line 140:
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
As a modified [[Me 262 A-1a]], its role in the battle has not changed that much. The added cannons make the plane more capable at its battle rating, with a single burst it will obliterate any opponent in its path. Its cannons can carry an ammo belt that has the capability of penetrating the roofs of some tanks when playing in Ground Realistic battles. It is advisable to fire each pair of cannons separately, because all of its autocannons have a different muzzle velocity and a different amount of ammunition.
+
As a modified [[Me 262 A-1a]], its role in the battle has not changed that much. The added cannons (namely, the MK 103) make the plane more capable at its battle rating. The MK 103s can carry an ammo belt that has the capability of penetrating the roofs of some tanks when playing in Ground Realistic battles. It is advisable to fire each pair of cannons separately, because all of its autocannons have a different muzzle velocity (about 200 m/s) and different amounts of ammunition. MK 108s will run dry first, followed by the MK 103s, and lastly the MG 151s.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 144: Line 147:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Outstanding amount of nose battery of 6 autocannons
+
* Decent offensive armament of 6 autocannons
* Decent energy retention (compared to other contemporary aircraft)
+
* MK 103 cannons can fire HVAP rounds that penetrate 77 mm of armour
* Can equip its MK 103 autocannons with HVAP rounds that can penetrate 77 mm of armour
+
* MK 103s have a relatively high muzzle velocity
* Plenty of ammunition
 
* Only a slight difference in flight performance compared to the [[Me 262 A-1a]]
 
* Good roll rate at low speeds
 
* Fairly manoeuvrable at low speeds compared to early jets
 
* Can fire each pair of cannons separately
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 +
* Lacklustre acceleration and poor climb rate
 +
* Control surfaces compress above 650 km/h
 +
* Poor stall performance, control surfaces are ineffective below 350 km/h
 +
* G-LOC quickly becomes prominent when slightly manoeuvring above 700 km/h
 +
* Poor survivability. Getting hit by anything often results in critical damage, especially the engines
 +
* Inaccurate and slow guns, difficult to use
 
* Lack of suspended armaments
 
* Lack of suspended armaments
* Can regularly face post-war jets that outrun it like the [[F-84 (Family)|F-84]]
+
* Guns have a high tendency to spark or produce little damage, multiple hits on an enemy are usually required
* Rather slow compared to most other jets
 
* Bad acceleration
 
* Very fragile engines
 
* If engines are hit it is quite easy to get into a flat-spin while stalling
 
* Not very nimble at high speeds
 
* Poor rate of climb
 
* Fuel feed cuts off if flying with negative G-loads for an extended period of time
 
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 Me 262A-1a/U1 is a modification of the world's first mass produced jet fighter, the German [[Me 262 A-1a|Me 262]] 'Schwalbe'. The armament of the A-1 sub-serie, being four 30 mm MK.108 auto cannons, had a number of drawbacks, such as cycle failures and complex heavy shell ballistics. For these reasons, engineers experimented with different variations as to the weaponry, including a reinforced cannon battery. As such, the Me.262A-1a/U1 modification was created as part of this program. German engineers managed to fit 6 autocannons in the nose: 2 x 20 mm MG.151/20, 2 x 30 mm stock version MK.108, and 2 x 30 mm MK.103 guns. For the latter, they developed shells with a higher initial speed, and the guns themselves had a longer barrel length than the MK.108, as well as an effective muzzle brake - all to improve the ballistics of the heavy shells. They built a prototype (according to other sources, there were three units), but the project was not entered into mass production. However, one example was flown by one of the most effective jet aces of World War II, Heinz Bär, who flew it at the end of April 1945, and with it, even shot down several Thunderbolts in the skies over Germany.
+
The Me 262A-1a/U1 is a modification of the world's first mass produced jet fighter, the German [[Me 262 A-1a|Me 262]] 'Schwalbe'. The armament of the A-1 sub-serie, being four 30 mm MK 108 auto cannons, had a number of drawbacks, such as cycle failures and complex heavy shell ballistics. For these reasons, engineers experimented with different variations as to the weaponry, including a reinforced cannon battery. As such, the Me.262A-1a/U1 modification was created as part of this program. German engineers managed to fit 6 autocannons in the nose: 2 x 20 mm MG.151/20, 2 x 30 mm stock version MK 108, and 2 x 30 mm MK 103 guns. For the latter, they developed shells with a higher initial speed, and the guns themselves had a longer barrel length than the MK 108, as well as an effective muzzle brake - all to improve the ballistics of the heavy shells. They built a prototype (according to other sources, there were three units), but the project was not entered into mass production. However, one example was flown by one of the most effective jet aces of World War II, Heinz Bär, who flew it at the end of April 1945, and with it, even shot down several Thunderbolts in the skies over Germany.
  
 
''- From [[wt:en/news/6386-development-squadron-vehicles-me-262a-1a-u1-en|Devblog]]''
 
''- From [[wt:en/news/6386-development-squadron-vehicles-me-262a-1a-u1-en|Devblog]]''
Line 187: Line 184:
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|V77eUJjifzM|'''The Me-262 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:17 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:33 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|bxalaBFUfb8|'''The Shooting Range #174''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:45 discusses the Me 262 "Schwalbe".|V7WNaq8wiqQ|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Squadron Vehicle Overview''' - ''Bacongaming''|n7R9ix6KSfY|''' The Germans were NUTS - {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''PhlyDaily''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|V77eUJjifzM|'''The Me-262 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:17 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:33 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|bxalaBFUfb8|'''The Shooting Range #174''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:45 discusses the Me 262 "Schwalbe".|V7WNaq8wiqQ|'''Me 262 A-1a/U1 - Squadron Vehicle Overview''' - ''Bacongaming''|n7R9ix6KSfY|''' The Germans were NUTS - Me 262 A-1a/U1''' - ''PhlyDaily''|qzjY5kxmkkI|'''The Joke Of The German Tech Tree - Me 262 A-1a/U1 Squadron Vehicle''' - ''DEFYN''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 193: Line 190:
 
* ''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.''-->
 +
 
* '''Related development'''
 
* '''Related development'''
 
** [[Me 262 (Family)]]
 
** [[Me 262 (Family)]]

Latest revision as of 07:36, 12 November 2024

This page is about the squadron German strike aircraft Me 262 A-1a/U1. For other versions, see Me 262 (Family).
Me 262 A-1a/U1
me-262a1_u1.png
GarageImage Me 262 A1a-U1.jpg
Me 262 A-1a/U1
Research:320 000 Specs-Card-Activity.png
Purchase:340 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Me 262 A-1a/U1 is a squadron rank V German strike aircraft with a battle rating of 7.3 (AB/RB) and 7.0 (SB). It was introduced during Update 1.91 "Night Vision". It can be unlocked with squadron activity points or purchased with Golden Eagles.

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

The Me 262 A-1a/U1 severely lacks engine power compared to its contemporaries and is heavy, resulting in a lacklustre acceleration and a poor climb rate. Control surfaces compress above 650 km/h and G-LOC becomes prominent when slightly manoeuvring above 700 km/h. It also performs poorly in a stall, as the control surfaces become ineffective below 350 km/h, making recoveries difficult.

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 823 797 12500 29.3 30.1 15.7 14.7 750
Upgraded 908 865 27.4 28.0 23.7 19.5

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 ~10 ~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 4,550 kg 310 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 5,164 kg 5,311 kg 5,679 kg 6,231 kg 6,525 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 0.35 0.34 0.32 0.29 0.28 0.28
Optimal 910 kgf
(0 km/h)
N/A 0.35 0.34 0.32 0.29 0.28 0.28

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural1 050 km/h
Gear450 km/h
  • 15 mm Steel - Behind the 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

The engines are very fragile. Any hit at this BR often results in critical damage

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 695 → 4 844 Sl icon.png
RB7 595 → 9 957 Sl icon.png
SB11 108 → 14 562 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications101 700 Rp icon.png
165 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 200 Ge icon.png
Crew training98 000 Sl icon.png
Experts340 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces780 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 290 / 600 % Sl icon.png
202 / 202 / 202 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg15120_belt_pack
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
mk108_belt_pack
Research:
6 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
mg15120_new_gun
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mk103_belt_pack
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mk108_new_gun
Research:
8 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
mk103_new_gun
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
450 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition144 rounds
Fire rate450 shots/min
Ammunition132 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Ammunition292 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min

The Me 262 A-1a/U1 is armed with:

  • 2 x 30 mm MK 103 cannons, nose-mounted (72 rpg = 144 total)
  • 2 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons, nose-mounted (66 rpg = 132 total)
  • 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, nose-mounted (146 rpg = 292 total)

Usage in battles

As a modified Me 262 A-1a, its role in the battle has not changed that much. The added cannons (namely, the MK 103) make the plane more capable at its battle rating. The MK 103s can carry an ammo belt that has the capability of penetrating the roofs of some tanks when playing in Ground Realistic battles. It is advisable to fire each pair of cannons separately, because all of its autocannons have a different muzzle velocity (about 200 m/s) and different amounts of ammunition. MK 108s will run dry first, followed by the MK 103s, and lastly the MG 151s.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Decent offensive armament of 6 autocannons
  • MK 103 cannons can fire HVAP rounds that penetrate 77 mm of armour
  • MK 103s have a relatively high muzzle velocity

Cons:

  • Lacklustre acceleration and poor climb rate
  • Control surfaces compress above 650 km/h
  • Poor stall performance, control surfaces are ineffective below 350 km/h
  • G-LOC quickly becomes prominent when slightly manoeuvring above 700 km/h
  • Poor survivability. Getting hit by anything often results in critical damage, especially the engines
  • Inaccurate and slow guns, difficult to use
  • Lack of suspended armaments
  • Guns have a high tendency to spark or produce little damage, multiple hits on an enemy are usually required

History

The Me 262A-1a/U1 is a modification of the world's first mass produced jet fighter, the German Me 262 'Schwalbe'. The armament of the A-1 sub-serie, being four 30 mm MK 108 auto cannons, had a number of drawbacks, such as cycle failures and complex heavy shell ballistics. For these reasons, engineers experimented with different variations as to the weaponry, including a reinforced cannon battery. As such, the Me.262A-1a/U1 modification was created as part of this program. German engineers managed to fit 6 autocannons in the nose: 2 x 20 mm MG.151/20, 2 x 30 mm stock version MK 108, and 2 x 30 mm MK 103 guns. For the latter, they developed shells with a higher initial speed, and the guns themselves had a longer barrel length than the MK 108, as well as an effective muzzle brake - all to improve the ballistics of the heavy shells. They built a prototype (according to other sources, there were three units), but the project was not entered into mass production. However, one example was flown by one of the most effective jet aces of World War II, Heinz Bär, who flew it at the end of April 1945, and with it, even shot down several Thunderbolts in the skies over Germany.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Images
Videos

See also

External links


Bavarian Aircraft Corporation (BFW*)
Bf 109  Flegel's Bf 109 A · Bf 109 B-1 · Bf 109 C-1 · Bf 109 C-1 · Bf 109 E-1 · Bf 109 E-3 · Bf 109 E-4 · Bf 109 E-7/U2
  Bf 109 F-1 · Bf 109 F-2 · Bf 109 F-4 · Bf 109 F-4/trop · Bf 109 G-2/trop · Bf 109 G-6 · Bf 109 K-4 · Bf 109 G-10 · Bf 109 G-14 · Bf 109 Z-1
Bf 110  Bf 110 C-6 · Bf 110 C-7 · Bf 110 F-2 · Bf 110 G-2 · Bf 110 G-4
Me 410  Me 410 A-1 · Me 410 A-1/U2 · Me 410 A-1/U4 · Me 410 B-1 · Me 410 B-1/U2 · Me 410 B-2/U4 · Me 410 B-6/R3
Bombers  Me 264
Jet Fighters  Me 163 B · Me 163 B-0 · 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
Export  ▅Bf 109 E-7 · ▄Bf 109 G-14/AS · ◐Bf 109 F-4 · ◐Bf 109 G-2 · Bf 109 G-2 · ▄Bf 109 G-2 · ▄Bf 109 G-6 · ▄Bf 109 G-6 Erla · ◐Bf 110 G-4
Captured  ▃Bf 109 F-4
  * BFW was later renamed Messerschmitt Aktiengesellschaft (AG) on 11 July 1938. All aircraft currently in production at this time retained the designation Bf while those developed after this date had the designation Me.

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

Squadron aircraft
USA  A-4E Early · F-117
Germany  Me 262 A-1a/U1 · ◌Hunter F.58
USSR  Su-22M3
Britain  Firecrest · Sea Harrier FRS.1
Japan  ▄F-5E FCU
China  JF-17