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Re: Me 262 should have been used as a bomber?
Remi, 'typical' two stage compressor.
Roger, I am based on original papers, but I do not have them. My friend is keen on Spitfires and provided me some informations when I worked on early cold war incursions. It must be noted that post war flights were flown at a higher altitude, though.
Anyway, the problem of poor altitude performance was well known and identified, albeit not in popular history publications. The problem was with the engines, and IIRC, turbines providing air into them. Soviets also had Jumo technology and build them for their early jets, which also were unable to catch Spitfire. One of the most interesting facts is that in Soviet service MiG-15 replaced... Spitfire LF.IX, which still had excellent high altitude performances!
In regard of your and Richard's Me 262 data, it may be assumed that above 10 kms speed significantly dropped. Bombs would not add that much to the ceiling, their weight not being substantial comparing to the whole airframe, the most important penalty being drag inducing speed decrease.
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