Full Review with Dai Williams
The Messerschmitt Me262 probably needs no introduction being one of the Second World War’s most iconic aircraft.
Aside from the familiar single seat fighter version of the Me262, there were several other variants including a radar equipped twin seat night fighter, a trainer and prototypes for a twin seat bomber version.
The Me262 A-2/U2, the subject of this project, was a conversion of the basic airframe designed as a bomber. It had a new wooden nose section which was occupied by the bomb aimer lying in what must have been an uncomfortable (and frightening) prone position.
The nose mounted cannon armament was removed, though the aircraft could carry two 250kg bombs.
Two prototypes were built, and these were given work numbers 110484 (V484) and 110555 (V555). They flew in late 1944 / early 1945.
V555 was eventually flown into allied hands by a defecting German pilot shortly before the end of the war. The aircraft crashed on arrival after the undercarriage failed to extend. Mercifully no bombs were fitted at the time.
Despite the crash, V555 was recovered by American forces greatly interested in Germany’s new jet technology. The aircraft was returned to the United States for evaluation, though its ultimate fate is unknown.
An excellent reference book for this project was the Valiant Wings volume on the Me262 by Richard Franks.
This contains a highly detailed description of the development and operational use of the aircraft backed up by wartime photos, detailed walkaround photos of preserved examples, excellent detail drawings and colour profiles.
At the time of writing, I believe that a new updated issue of the book has recently been produced and so it should be widely available again. Highly recommended!
