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Me 262 Rudder Evolution:

Except prototypes, three kinds of rudders are found.

- The earlier type got the navigation light enclosed inside a transparent cap. Probably because of its light catching properties it usually appear more white than clear on photos.
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- The late type got the navigation light fixed on the bottom rudder tips, which was the usual emplacement on German fighters.


- The intermediate and experimental wooden fin which seems to have the navigation light fixed under the rudder as visible here from shots from “white7” 110376, left side only, “white 1+S” possibly 170047, left & right and “9K+FH” 111685, left & right. I guess this last one got a change from its rudder only, not the fin, and that its “snake” pattern was then over-painted which could be the explanation for its unusual black rudder. Actually I m not able to see any ampoule, only its supposed emplacement which I first thought to be some damage.
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NOTE: I would be pleased for any help about navigation light on the wooden tail-plane.

Sources:
Photo1 > French mag, “Ciel de Guerre” No.04, 2005.
Photo2 > widely published (Me 262 towing a gliding bomb)
Photo3 > Burindo “Famous Airplanes of the World” No.115.
Photo4 > Luftwaffe Warbirds Photo Album Vol.3, Delta Pub., 1993.
Photo5 > French mag, “Aéro Journal” N°1, 1998.
Photo6 > French mag, “Aéro Journal” N°1, 1998.
Photo7 > French mag, “Le Fanatique de l’Aviation” Hors Serie N°28H, 2005.
Photo8 > Luftwaffe Warbirds Photo Album Vol.1, Delta Pub., 1992.