The production two-seater variant of the Messerschmitt's jet
fighter, called Me 262B-1, was devised solely for conversion training purposes.
For a fighter pilot accustomed with the piston-engined aircraft the Me 262 was
a vehicle of a different age. The tricycle undercarriage, twin engines,
completely new type of propulsion notwithstanding the temperamental throttle
control - all contributed to the need of conversion trainer with instructor in
the rear cockpit. As was the accustomed practice, two-seater machines were not
to be built new but converted from fighter models. About 120 machines of this
variant were finished during 1944 and 1945.
Initially, the idea of a night-fighter 262 was developed
independently by Messerschmitt as the Me 262B-2. It was to have a longer
fuselage accommodating the two crew, internal fuel tanks with the capacity
comparable to that of a single-seat variant, and a Berlin radar antenna hidden
inside the modified nose cone. However, by the end of 1944 the war situation
deteriorated so rapidly that it was realized that an interim solution must be
found before the B-2 could reach production status.
Thus some of the existing trainer machines were converted
once again to interim model nightfighters becoming Me 262B-1a/U1. The
conversion comprised a FuG218 radar with operator occupying the rear cockpit.
Before the collapse of German defences, only a handful of this type reached
operational use with a single unit, 10./NJG11 at Magdeburg.
Me 262 A-1a/U2
Single prototype with FuG 220 Lichtenstein SN-290 MHz radar
transceiver and Hirschgeweih antenna array, for trials as a night-fighter.
The Germans had several radar systems, produced by highly
specialized manufacturers, such as GEMA, Telefunken, Lorenz and Siemens. Radar
Lichtenstein BC, developed by Telefunken in 1941, operated on a frequency of
490 MHz with a 620 mm wavelength. It required four double pairs of dipole
antennae bristling from the aircraft’s nose. It had a search arc of 24 degrees
and a range of between 3,000 and 5,500 m depending on conditions. Provided with
three scopes for azimuth, ranging and elevation, the radar was, however, far
from user-friendly, and even experienced operators often had to rely upon
ground control to vector them into the right area.
Radar 220 Lichtenstein SN2 was an improved and more accurate
model developed in 1943, operating on long waves of about 90 MHz. Working
through the distinctive “stag’s antlers” aerial, the SN2 was only slightly
affected by the RAF’s “window” countermeasure. Radar Flensburg, developed by
Siemens, was introduced in mid–1944 using wing-mounted dipole antennae, and was
sensitive to frequencies 170–220 MHz. Radar 218 Neptun was introduced in 1944
by Siemens; it used frequencies 158 to 187 MHz and had a range of 120 to 500
km. Radar 240 Berlin, introduced in April 1945, used a 9 cm wavelength.
These devices were mounted on a few special night-fighter
designs. The Messerschmitt Bf 110 remained the primary Luftwaffe night fighter
until 1944; the aircraft (G version) proved able to take the addition of radar,
a third crewman to operate it, and heavy armament. Other night fighters
included the Heinkel He 219, and modifications of existing designs of Me 220,
Me 262 and Me 410 variants, Dornier Do 217 E and N, Junkers Ju 88 G-7 and Ju
188.
Me 262 A-1a/U3
Reconnaissance version modified in small numbers, with
Reihenbilder RB 20/30 cameras mounted in the nose (sometimes one RB 20/20 and
one RB 75/30). Some retained one 30 mm (1.18 in) cannon, but most were unarmed.
Me 262 B-1a/U1
Me 262 B-1a trainers converted into provisional night
fighters, FuG 218 Neptun radar, with Hirschgeweih antenna array.
Me 262 B-2
Proposed night fighter version with stretched fuselage.
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