Blood Red Skies: Me 262 Squadron

Description

Blood Red Skies: Me 262 Squadron

The Messerschmitt Me 262 was the first operational jet-powered fighteraircraft in the world. Though design work began well before the commencement ofWorld War II, problems with development – from the engines to interferencefrom the highest command levels mean that the aircraft did not reach operationalstatus until mid-1944, too late to make the required impact. The Me 262 wasmore heavily armed than and outperformed every Allied aircraft in terms ofspeed. It served in a number of roles such as light-bomber, reconnaissance andexperimental night fighter. It earned nicknames dependant on its role, dubbedSchwalbe (German for swallow) in fighter versions, or Sturmvogel (German forstorm bird) in fighter-bomber versions.

Though war records are sketchy pilots of the Me 262 claimed more than542 Allied aircraft downed. Its phenomenal speed made it an extremely difficulttarget to intercept, however at lower speeds the 262 suffered from diminishedperformance due to the limitations of thrust provided by the early jet engine.Allied pilots soon learned to take advantage of this trait by attacking theaircraft at its most vulnerable during take-off and landing. Whilst airborne, Me262 pilots were relatively safe from Allied aircraft provided they did not getdrawn into low-speed manoeuvring contests.

In targeting enemy bombers, new tactics needed to be developed. Head-onattacks would not work, as the closing speed did not pair well with the rate offire of the mounted Mk 108 cannons. When engaging bombers, Me 262 pilotsdeveloped a ‘broadside’ attack approach.

The effect of the 262 on the outcome of the war was compromised by its lateentry. By 1944, German armament production had shifted to more easilyproducible, and cheaper aircraft. Only a small number of Me 262s saw service,with reportedly only a maximum of 200 operating at any one time. Nevertheless,the aircraft influenced post-war military jet development, captured examplesbeing extensively tested by the post-war major powers.

Vital Statistics

Crew: 1
Length: 10.6 m
Wingspan: 12.6 m
Max Speed: 900 km/h
Combat Range: 1,050 km
Armament: 4 × 30 mm MK 108 cannon (the A-2a had only two cannons); 24 ×55 mm (2.2 in) R4M rockets; 2 × 250 kg (550 lb) bombs or 2 × 500 kg(1,100 lb) bombs (A-2a variant)

Contains 6 Warlord Resin aircraft with advantage bases & cards

Models supplied unassembled and unpainted.

Delivery

Delivery Rates
Australia Delivery

Our delivery rates vary based on the weight and volume of your total order. An accurate shipping cost will be calculated during the checkout process. Orders are shipped by air via Australia Post straight to your door! 

Delivery Times
The Board Gamer orders ship from our fulfillment partner Mighty Ape. Their warehouse is based in New Zealand with daily flights across the Tasman with Australia Post.

As a result of courier delays the current standard delivery times for In Stock products using Australia Post are as follows: