1./ Versuchsverband des O.K.L. - May 1st 1945

[Adriano Baumgartner]

Feldpost, thank you for your feedback on Lennartz' logbook. I researched during years the Kommando Nowotny, having been in touch with former members...I thought you could have the pages related to Lennartz flights on that Kommando.

Well, I do have the Me 262 Flight Manual (from the USAAF tests at Wright Patterson, etc..); unfortunately I do not remember where I put it! I was trying to check the landing and take off distances of the versions A-1a, A-2a, etc...but did not find (yet) it. Maybe someone can give us a handle and check for us...

HOWEVER, I found on pg.39 of the book "The Me 262 Combat Diary" by Foreman and Harvey, that for the bomber version: "Extra fuel tanks were fitted, one of 55 gallons beneath the pilot's seat and another of 130 gallons fitted behind the rear tank. This latte, far aft of the centre of gravity, would make the aircraft tail-heavy and impossible to fly if not counter-balanced...It was vital that the rear tank be selected and emptied first, to balance the aircraft in flight (the reason for the removal of the two cannons)." The authors continue with some interesting arguments and details, emphasizing that not all Me 262 were built to the same specification, so there were different switches layout positions from one to another one! (end of pg.39-40).
I do not remember if the Me 262 A-1a/U3, used for reconaissance purposes did possess this same configuration, though. I guess yes, since the removal of the guns and the installation of two cameras in aft compartment.

As Franck pointed out, he was NO beginner and well experienced on the Me 262...to land on a grass field (maybe to await the "amis" to go OFF of his base - straffing?,etc...Rat chase?, etc..), refuel and go back to fight another day...It would be interesting to cross check if the USAAF or RAF was straffing his usual base that day and if on Uetersen there was the JET FUEL for the Me 262....if NO, I mean, IF Uetersen did not possess Jet Fuel, he must have refuelled with normal piston engined fuel....shortening the TBO of his Jumos 004!

Well....a very interesting thread. Thank you for all and wish you all an excellent weekend.

Adriano S. Baumgartner