Me 262 should have been used as a bomber?

[Roger Gaemperle]

It was less due to unreliable engines that the Me 262 operated rarely at heights between 12'000 and 13'500 meters but much more due to a missing pressurized cabin. Without a pressurized cabin it was only possible to fly up to 12'000 meters without risking to harm the pilot.

The testing report (Erprobungsbericht) Nr. 50 which deals with the time period from 28 September 1944 to 18 October 1944 states that 170303 had a maximum service ceiling WITH BOMBS of 13'500 meters (44'290 feet). So, I guess that without bombs it would have been able to fly even higher and catch the Spitfire (which according to a quick internet search had a s.s. of 42'600, hence already below the service ceiling of the Me 262 with bombs). But as I said the main problem was the missing pressurized cabin in the serial version.

There is also a Messerschmitt flight report 04 L 44 which contain a detailed report about the maximum service ceiling, but I don't have it at hand right know. Perhaps one of the other members do.

Roger Gaemperle