Difference between revisions of "Me 262 C-2b"

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{{Specs-Card|code=me-262c-2b}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = German jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = German jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Me 262 (Family)
 
| link = Me 262 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=me-262c-2b
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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 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.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_Me262C2b.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in Update 1.41.
 
  
The [[MK 108 (30 mm)|30 mm MK 108]] autocannon has insane damage potential, with the third greatest in-game burst rate 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 "Sledgehammer" is no exception. The amazing rate of fire is bought with a very short barrel and small propellant charges, resulting in very bad ballistics: The slowest shells with the greatest bullet drop in-game. The Mk 108 makes no compromise, only the extremes.
+
To combat constant Allied bomber raids, the need for a high-performance interceptor was at an all-time high. Many proposals and designs were made and one of those designs was the Me 262 C-2b, a variant based on the Me 262 A series fitted with rocket boosters. Nicknamed the "Home Defender", it would retain the two normal turbojets with the addition of two rocket boosters, one mounted on top of each engine exhaust. Although the idea was thought of in 1943, it would take two years for the only 262 C-2b prototype to take flight in March 1945. During the test flight, it boasted an incredible climb rate and was able to reach 30,000 feet (9,100 metres) in three minutes. However, the Me 262 C-2b arrived far too late into the war.
  
The MK 108 is a very bad anti-fighter weapon particular in a jet to jet combat. Bullet drop and slow velocity result in difficult lead shots in ranges above 300 m (350 yds). In manoeuvre fights this trait gets even worse, the high speeds of jet battle push the necessary lead for hitting the target high, very high and in front of the enemy. Training with this weapon-system on a custom battle against random enemies is heavily advised.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update 1.41]]. Since the C-2b is based on the Me 262 A, it has four MK 108 30 mm cannons mounted in the nose. Unfortunately, the MK 108s are insufficient at jet battle ratings. The velocity requires excessive lead compared to other cannons and the MK 108's lack significant effective range. The 262 C-2b has around six minutes of booster fuel, and it should be mainly used in accelerating to a suitable speed. Once the booster fuel runs out, the C-2b becomes outclassed by many of its opponents. The Me 262 C-2b is a capable plane, however players should expect it to be difficult to use.
 
 
The Sledgehammer cannons have an ammo indicator in the cockpit. 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.
 
  
 
== 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"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
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|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
| ??? || ??? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.?
+
| 909 || 865 || 29.3 || 30.3 || 24.0 || 20.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Features
 
! colspan="6" | Features
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|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 580 || 580 || 320 || ~15 || ~7
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 498 || 469 || 320 || ~11 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! colspan="3" | Aircraft mass
 
! colspan="3" | Aircraft mass
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Number || rowspan="2" | Booster<br/>weight (each) ||rowspan="2" | Fuel<br/>weight (each) ||rowspan="2" | Burn<br/>Time ||rowspan="2" | Can be<br/>shutdown||rowspan="2" | Jettisoned<br/>after use
+
! rowspan="2" | Number || rowspan="2" | Booster<br />weight (each) || rowspan="2" | Fuel<br />weight (each) || rowspan="2" | Burn<br />Time || rowspan="2" | Can be<br />shutdown|| rowspan="2" | Jettisoned<br />after use
 
! colspan="2" | Mass with full booster fuel (no weapons load)
 
! colspan="2" | Mass with full booster fuel (no weapons load)
 
|-
 
|-
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| 6,770 kg || 7,353 kg
 
| 6,770 kg || 7,353 kg
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" | Condition  
+
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" | Condition
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Maximum booster<br/>thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each booster, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}  
+
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Maximum booster<br/>thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each booster, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="2" rowspan="2"| {{Annotation|Combined engine<br/>& booster thrust @ 0 m|The total thrust produced by all engines and boosters. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}  
+
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Combined engine<br/>& booster thrust @ 0 m|The total thrust produced by all engines and boosters. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="3" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (108% with booster)
 
! colspan="3" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (108% with booster)
 
|-
 
|-
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=== 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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 
* 15 mm Steel - plate behind the pilot seat
 
* 15 mm Steel - plate behind the pilot seat
 
* 15 mm Steel - plate headrest
 
* 15 mm Steel - plate headrest
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* 16 mm Steel - 2 x plates protecting ammunition
 
* 16 mm Steel - 2 x plates protecting ammunition
 
* 90 mm Bulletproof glass
 
* 90 mm Bulletproof glass
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
The biggest issue of the Schwalbe is its bad acceleration across all speeds. Thus "Compressor" and "New Engine" upgrades have the highest priority. The stock belts are decent, but the high explosive content increases with the new ammo, so including belts into the upgrade route is not a bad idea. The same applies to the rockets. Being able to knock out bases or tanks(direct hit) with these warheads, makes the late game much more easy to win if the last enemies are running or hiding. "New cannons" is an interesting upgrade choice as it increases accuracy above 300 m (350 yds), but the MK 108 will still be unable to hit a barn-door at 500 m (600 yds). Cool-down and jamming is nothing the "Sledgehammer" has to deal with, considering the damage potential and low ammo count per gun.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''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)}}
 
{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)}}
  
The Me 262 C-2b is armed with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
 
* 4 x 30 mm MK 108 cannon, nose-mounted (2 x 100 rpg top + 2 x 80 rpg bottom = 360 total)
 
  
<!--=== Suspended armament ===
+
* 4 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons, nose-mounted (2 x 100 rpg top + 2 x 80 rpg bottom = 360 total)
''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.''
 
  
=== Defensive armament ===
+
The {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with 4 x [[MK 108 (30 mm)|30 mm MK 108]] autocannon, which represents a consequent damage potential. With a high burst mass rate of 14.52 kg/s (32.01 lbs/s) and the great Minengeschoß (mine-shell) explosive warhead, this weapon will vaporize aircraft, especially bombers. But every coin has a flip side and the "Sledgehammer" is no exception. The 30 mm cannon comes with a very short barrel and small propellant charges, resulting in very poor ballistics: the shells are slow with great drop over distance.
''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).''-->
 
Anti-fighter combat strategies include:
 
  
'''Climb''': All around usable
+
The MK 108 is a very bad anti-fighter weapon particular in a jet to jet combat. Bullet drop and slow velocity result in difficult lead shots in ranges above 300 m (350 yds). In manoeuvre fights, this trait gets even worse: the high speed of jet battles increases the necessary lead for hitting the target, putting far in front of the enemy. Training with this weapon-system on a custom battle against random enemies is heavily advised.
Self-explanatory, rockets are used to boost oneself up to > 7000 m. Henceforth denying enemy fighters absolute altitude advantage. Of course, this must be followed through to the extreme, as once altitude advantage is gone, so will be the Me 262. Especially high-altitude prop-aircraft will be dangerous foes as jet-engine's power steadily declines over altitude. Whereas turbochargers and superchargers will keep the piston engine's power output steady. Watch out for these particular foes: [[P-47D-25|P-47D]], [[Bostwick's P-47M-1-RE|P-47M]], [[F8F-1B|F8F-1B]], [[Spitfire F Mk 24|Spitfire Mk 24]]/[[Spitfire F Mk 22|Mk 22]], [[J7W1|J7W1]] and [[Ta 152 H-1|Ta 152H-1]], if this strategy is chosen. Commence in classic Boom and Zoom tactics.
 
  
'''Aggressive climb''': Useful against pure enemy jet teams
+
The Sledgehammer cannons have the typical bar ammunition counter of the Luftwaffe in the cockpit. It sits directly beneath the compass (the one with the little plane in the middle). The left white column is for the two top autocannons. 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 same principle as merely ''"Climb"'', however with the twist of actively engaging towards the hostile airfield to intercept with E-advantage enemy fighters. Air-Domination is established beyond the frontline with the prime directive to hinder enemy aircraft (especially jets) to gain any further altitude. If piston aircraft are present, this may prove to be difficult as these machines will be ''on'' or even ''above'' the Me 262 C upon contact. Hostile jets though will again not be on a similar energy state, making them on the first two initial passes easy prey. Good energy management is key though!
 
  
'''Rush''': Enemy team energy denial
+
== Usage in battles ==
This strategy can prove deadly but will provide similar aggressive team-mates with a better outset once team vs team combat starts.
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
Start boosters after spawning and use them to reach maximum level flight speed. Reduce engine throttle before losing a wing! Head straight for the enemy and disturb them in their acceleration & climb. The idea is to either seize targets of opportunity (e.g. AFK climbers, unaware targets) or to confuse the foes to give one's allies the aforementioned better vantage position.
+
Rocket boost should either be saved to compete against post-war jets or be used immediately to propel oneself up to 6,000 m before the hostile forces had the opportunity to gain any energy advantage.
  
====Specific enemies worth noting====
+
Anti-fighter combat strategies include:
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)-->
 
Remember to assign a key to Boosters!
 
  
Rocket boost should either be saved to compete against post-war jets or be used immediately to propel oneself up to 6,000 m before the hostile forces had the opportunity to gain any energy advantage.
+
'''Climb''' - Self-explanatory. Rockets are used to boost oneself up to > 7,000 m. Henceforth denying enemy fighters absolute altitude advantage. Of course, this must be followed through to the extreme, as once altitude advantage is gone, so will be the Me 262. Especially high-altitude propeller-driven aircraft will be dangerous foes as jet-engine's power steadily declines over altitude. Whereas turbochargers and superchargers will keep the piston engine's power output steady. Watch out for late piston-engine fighters, even if they're out of their BR range. Apply classic Boom and Zoom tactics to eliminate them.
 
 
===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
 
|-
 
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
===Modules===
+
'''Aggressive climb''' - Useful against pure enemy jet teams. The same principle as merely "Climb", however with the twist of actively engaging towards the hostile airfield to intercept with E-advantage enemy fighters. Air-Domination is established beyond the frontline with the prime directive to hinder enemy aircraft (especially jets) to gain any further altitude. If piston aircraft are present, this may prove to be difficult as these machines will be on or even above the Me 262 C upon contact. Hostile jets though will again not be on a similar energy state, making them on the first two initial passes easy prey. Good energy management is key though.
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Tier
 
! Flight performance
 
! Survivability
 
! Weaponry
 
|-
 
| I
 
| Fuselage Repair
 
|
 
| Offensive 30 mm
 
|-
 
| II
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
|
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Wing Repair
 
|
 
| New 30 mm Cannons
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| Engine
 
| Cover
 
|
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
The biggest issue of the Schwalbe is its bad acceleration across all speeds. Thus "Compressor" and "New Engine" upgrades have the highest priority. The stock belts are decent, but the high explosive content increases with the new ammo, so including belts into the upgrade route is not a bad idea. The same applies to the rockets. Being able to knockout bases or tanks(direct hit) with these warheads, makes the late game much more easy to win if the last enemies are running or hiding. "New cannons" is an interesting upgrade choice as it increases accuracy above 300 m (350 yds), but the MK 108 will still be unable to hit a yarn-door at 500 m (600 yds). Cool-down and jamming is nothing the "Sledgehammer" has to deal with, considering the damage potential and low ammo count per gun.
+
'''Rush''' - Enemy team energy denial. This strategy can prove deadly but will provide similar aggressive team-mates with a better outset once team vs team combat starts. Start boosters after spawning and use them to reach maximum level flight speed. Reduce engine throttle before losing a wing. Head straight for the enemy and disturb them in their acceleration & climb. The idea is to either seize targets of opportunity (e.g. AFK climbers, unaware targets) or to confuse the foes to give one's allies the better vantage position.
  
 
=== 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:'''
* Great plane for arcade battles, as it climbs quickly with the rocket boosters and can land to refuel them.
+
 
* Boom and zoom is a must with this plane, as it keeps up with all other jets.
+
* Can use boosters to outrun and outclimb other aircraft
* Can use boosters to outrun and out-climb other aircraft
+
* Excellent energy retention, can hold onto speed earned from boosters for a good while
 +
* Good roll rate
 +
* Devastating offensive armament at close range
 +
* Great plane for arcade battles, as it climbs quickly with the rocket boosters and can land to refuel them
 +
* Decently agile when on a low fuel load.
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
* Handling feels Heavy
+
 
* Slow compared to other BR 8.0 aircraft
+
* Handling feels heavy
 +
* Boom and zoom is a must with this plane, as it struggles to keeps up with all other jets at the battle rating
 +
* Slow compared to other aircraft at the rank
 
* Horrible climb rate if boosters aren't in use
 
* Horrible climb rate if boosters aren't in use
* Performs significantly worse than the A-1a variant
+
* Performs significantly worse than the A-1a variant unless boosters are engaged
* MK 108s are not well suited for jet combat.
+
* Rocket fuel is very heavy, leading to worsened turn rate and climb r
* No Airbrakes to slow down
+
* MK 108 cannons are not well suited for jet-on-jet combat
 +
* No airbrakes to slow down
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
After constant bombing raids by Allied bombers, Germany realized they needed a more capable interceptor that could reach the heights bomber crews operated at in record time. One of the proposals was the Me 262 C. Nicknamed Heimatschützer ("Home Defender"), these variants were intended to be fitted with one or more rockets that would greatly increase the climb rate and reach Allied bombers much faster. The Me 262 C-2b would receive two BMW 109-718 rocket motors mounted on the engines. The fuel pumps would inject both a nitric acid oxidizer and hydrocarbon fuel. This generated around 2,200 lb of thrust and greatly boosted the climb rate. During the Me 262 C-2bs one and only test flight, it managed to achieve 30,000 feet (~9,100 m) in only three minutes. Unfortunately for the C-2b, it was introduced far too late into the war to have any impact.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
  
== Read also ==
+
;Skins
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=me-262c-2b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|V77eUJjifzM|'''The Me-262 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:17 - ''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.''-->
+
 
 +
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[Me 262 (Family)]]
  
== Sources ==
+
== 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;''
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/320883-messerschmitt-me-262-c-1a-c-2b/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
 
{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Germany jet aircrafts}}
+
{{Germany jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 07:08, 12 October 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the German jet fighter Me 262 C-2b. For other versions, see Me 262 (Family).
Me 262 C-2b
me-262c-2b.png
GarageImage Me 262 C-2b.jpg
Me 262 C-2b
AB RB SB
8.0 8.0 8.0
Research:61 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:340 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

To combat constant Allied bomber raids, the need for a high-performance interceptor was at an all-time high. Many proposals and designs were made and one of those designs was the Me 262 C-2b, a variant based on the Me 262 A series fitted with rocket boosters. Nicknamed the "Home Defender", it would retain the two normal turbojets with the addition of two rocket boosters, one mounted on top of each engine exhaust. Although the idea was thought of in 1943, it would take two years for the only 262 C-2b prototype to take flight in March 1945. During the test flight, it boasted an incredible climb rate and was able to reach 30,000 feet (9,100 metres) in three minutes. However, the Me 262 C-2b arrived far too late into the war.

The Me 262 C-2b Heimatschützer II was introduced in Update 1.41. Since the C-2b is based on the Me 262 A, it has four MK 108 30 mm cannons mounted in the nose. Unfortunately, the MK 108s are insufficient at jet battle ratings. The velocity requires excessive lead compared to other cannons and the MK 108's lack significant effective range. The 262 C-2b has around six minutes of booster fuel, and it should be mainly used in accelerating to a suitable speed. Once the booster fuel runs out, the C-2b becomes outclassed by many of its opponents. The Me 262 C-2b is a capable plane, however players should expect it to be difficult to use.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 000 m865 km/h
Turn time30 s
Max altitude14 900 m
Engine2 х BMW 003-R
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight8 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 824 797 14900 31.6 32.5 16.5 15.6 628
Upgraded 909 865 29.3 30.3 24.0 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 450 498 469 320 ~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, no booster fuel)
BMW 003-R 2 4,775 kg 260 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load, no booster fuel) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 6m fuel 20m fuel
673 kg Axial-flow turbojet 5,070 kg 5,653 kg 8,000 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (108%, no booster)
Condition 100% 108% 6m fuel 20m fuel MTOW
Stationary 801 kgf 910 kgf 0.36 0.32 0.23
Optimal 801 kgf
(0 km/h)
910 kgf
(0 km/h)
0.35 0.32 0.23
Booster (BMW 109-718 - Liquid-fuel rocket) Aircraft mass
Number Booster
weight (each)
Fuel
weight (each)
Burn
Time
Can be
shutdown
Jettisoned
after use
Mass with full booster fuel (no weapons load)
6m fuel 20m fuel
2 165 kg 850 kg 163s Yes No 6,770 kg 7,353 kg
Condition Maximum booster
thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)
Combined engine
& booster thrust @ 0 m
Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (108% with booster)
6m fuel 20m fuel
Stationary 1,224 kgf 4,268 kgf 0.63 0.58
Optimal 1,224 kgf
(any speed)
4,268 kgf
(0kph)
0.63 0.58

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural1 050 km/h
Gear450 km/h
  • 15 mm Steel - plate behind the pilot seat
  • 15 mm Steel - plate headrest
  • 15 mm Steel - Cockpit for plate
  • 15 mm Steel - Instrument panel plate
  • 16 mm Steel - 2 x plates protecting ammunition
  • 90 mm Bulletproof glass

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 745 → 4 744 Sl icon.png
RB10 514 → 13 321 Sl icon.png
SB13 429 → 17 014 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications102 000 Rp icon.png
164 000 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 / 380 / 600 % Sl icon.png
202 / 202 / 202 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
27 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
27 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mk108_belt_pack
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
mk108_new_gun
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png

The biggest issue of the Schwalbe is its bad acceleration across all speeds. Thus "Compressor" and "New Engine" upgrades have the highest priority. The stock belts are decent, but the high explosive content increases with the new ammo, so including belts into the upgrade route is not a bad idea. The same applies to the rockets. Being able to knock out bases or tanks(direct hit) with these warheads, makes the late game much more easy to win if the last enemies are running or hiding. "New cannons" is an interesting upgrade choice as it increases accuracy above 300 m (350 yds), but the MK 108 will still be unable to hit a barn-door at 500 m (600 yds). Cool-down and jamming is nothing the "Sledgehammer" has to deal with, considering the damage potential and low ammo count per gun.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition360 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: MK 108 (30 mm)

The Me 262 C-2b is armed with:

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

The Me 262 C-2b is equipped with 4 x 30 mm MK 108 autocannon, which represents a consequent damage potential. With a high burst mass rate of 14.52 kg/s (32.01 lbs/s) and the great Minengeschoß (mine-shell) explosive warhead, this weapon will vaporize aircraft, especially bombers. But every coin has a flip side and the "Sledgehammer" is no exception. The 30 mm cannon comes with a very short barrel and small propellant charges, resulting in very poor ballistics: the shells are slow with great drop over distance.

The MK 108 is a very bad anti-fighter weapon particular in a jet to jet combat. Bullet drop and slow velocity result in difficult lead shots in ranges above 300 m (350 yds). In manoeuvre fights, this trait gets even worse: the high speed of jet battles increases the necessary lead for hitting the target, putting far in front of the enemy. Training with this weapon-system on a custom battle against random enemies is heavily advised.

The Sledgehammer cannons have the typical bar ammunition counter of the Luftwaffe in the cockpit. It sits directly beneath the compass (the one with the little plane in the middle). The left white column is for the two top autocannons. 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.

Usage in battles

Rocket boost should either be saved to compete against post-war jets or be used immediately to propel oneself up to 6,000 m before the hostile forces had the opportunity to gain any energy advantage.

Anti-fighter combat strategies include:

Climb - Self-explanatory. Rockets are used to boost oneself up to > 7,000 m. Henceforth denying enemy fighters absolute altitude advantage. Of course, this must be followed through to the extreme, as once altitude advantage is gone, so will be the Me 262. Especially high-altitude propeller-driven aircraft will be dangerous foes as jet-engine's power steadily declines over altitude. Whereas turbochargers and superchargers will keep the piston engine's power output steady. Watch out for late piston-engine fighters, even if they're out of their BR range. Apply classic Boom and Zoom tactics to eliminate them.

Aggressive climb - Useful against pure enemy jet teams. The same principle as merely "Climb", however with the twist of actively engaging towards the hostile airfield to intercept with E-advantage enemy fighters. Air-Domination is established beyond the frontline with the prime directive to hinder enemy aircraft (especially jets) to gain any further altitude. If piston aircraft are present, this may prove to be difficult as these machines will be on or even above the Me 262 C upon contact. Hostile jets though will again not be on a similar energy state, making them on the first two initial passes easy prey. Good energy management is key though.

Rush - Enemy team energy denial. This strategy can prove deadly but will provide similar aggressive team-mates with a better outset once team vs team combat starts. Start boosters after spawning and use them to reach maximum level flight speed. Reduce engine throttle before losing a wing. Head straight for the enemy and disturb them in their acceleration & climb. The idea is to either seize targets of opportunity (e.g. AFK climbers, unaware targets) or to confuse the foes to give one's allies the better vantage position.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Can use boosters to outrun and outclimb other aircraft
  • Excellent energy retention, can hold onto speed earned from boosters for a good while
  • Good roll rate
  • Devastating offensive armament at close range
  • Great plane for arcade battles, as it climbs quickly with the rocket boosters and can land to refuel them
  • Decently agile when on a low fuel load.

Cons:

  • Handling feels heavy
  • Boom and zoom is a must with this plane, as it struggles to keeps up with all other jets at the battle rating
  • Slow compared to other aircraft at the rank
  • Horrible climb rate if boosters aren't in use
  • Performs significantly worse than the A-1a variant unless boosters are engaged
  • Rocket fuel is very heavy, leading to worsened turn rate and climb r
  • MK 108 cannons are not well suited for jet-on-jet combat
  • No airbrakes to slow down

History

After constant bombing raids by Allied bombers, Germany realized they needed a more capable interceptor that could reach the heights bomber crews operated at in record time. One of the proposals was the Me 262 C. Nicknamed Heimatschützer ("Home Defender"), these variants were intended to be fitted with one or more rockets that would greatly increase the climb rate and reach Allied bombers much faster. The Me 262 C-2b would receive two BMW 109-718 rocket motors mounted on the engines. The fuel pumps would inject both a nitric acid oxidizer and hydrocarbon fuel. This generated around 2,200 lb of thrust and greatly boosted the climb rate. During the Me 262 C-2bs one and only test flight, it managed to achieve 30,000 feet (~9,100 m) in only three minutes. Unfortunately for the C-2b, it was introduced far too late into the war to have any impact.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Related development

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