|
Re: Me 262 should have been used as a bomber?
Roger, nobody says jets were not faster on their operational altitude below 10 km. Nonetheless we are talking about extreme (then) altitudes of above 12-13 kms. Weight of bombs certainly would add a little to climb speed, but please do not overestimate it. It was only 7 percent of total weight, and as such it had a limited influence on the ceiling. More, several Soviet designs like early Yak-15/17, Su-9 or MiG-9 jets used improved German technology of Jumo 004 and neither of them was able to intercept Spitfire nor reach its ceiling.
This is a limitation of the design in general and not anything else. Me 262 and its engines were not perfect, and had several imperfections. It is not surprising, considering it was one of the first jets to enter service, but there is no reason to glorify it.
|