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From time to time, he would answer questions on Twitter. Once someone asked him “What did you think of the (German fighter jet) Me-262 the first time you saw it
by nickhalfasleep 6y ago
From time to time, he would answer questions on Twitter. Once someone asked him “What did you think of the (German fighter jet) Me-262 the first time you saw it?”
His response:
“The first time I saw an Me-262, I shot it down.”
A fast eye and a cool hand, a marksman who progressed and thrived through an incredible amount of changing technology. Also incredibly patient with that technology, which is why he was great test pilot as well.
- geoka9 6y agoIf I remember correctly, he had to lay in ambush over the airfield where the Me-262s flew from, and wait for one to be at its most vulnerable (on the final approach while landing). Then he swooped down and opened up with his cannon. The speed disadvantage was so large, that he would have no chance otherwise. But it's a cool answer :)
- ethbr0 6y agoYou win playing by the rules of physics, not what the other person thinks the rules are.
- robotnikman 6y agoThe speed disadvantage between the P-51 and ME-262 is not as bad as you think. Plus the difference in weapons would be in the P-51's favor, the ME-262 was armed with low velocity 30mm guns great for taking out bombers, but not great for dogfighting other fighters, meanwhile the .50 cal machineguns on the P-51 could open fire at around 800m and accurately score some hits. The main problem with the ME-262 vs the P-51 was the Me-262 was still a little faster, so it could just decide to run away if it wanted to instead of engaging. Ultimately though it didn't come down to what you were flying, it comes down to pilot skill.