Me 262 identification and unusual features

[Roger Gaemperle]

The type of camouflage is typical for KG 51 in the 2nd half of 1944.

The upper two canons needed to be removed only in aircraft produced until sometimes late 1944. Later fighter bomber versions had all 4 canons plus the required bomb carriers and electrical equipment. As far as I remember (haven't access to my Messerschmitt documents right now), it was due to center of gravity and weight reasons. Later Me 262 had the additional fuel tank behind the cockpit after the landing gear had been strenghtened. With the additional fuel tank, the center of gravity was moved backwards again and all 4 canons could be installed.

Since this machine appears to have had only 2 canons and the camouflage pattern is similar to other Me 262s of KG 51 in fall 1944, I'd say it is a KG 51 aircraft produced in 1944.