The first truly effective jet fighter in the world, the Messerschmitt Me262 "Schwalbe" (Swallow) gave the Allies quite a shock. Though it was under-developed, suffered teething problems, and was delayed getting into production, the fact that it had a 100 mph speed advantage over propeller driven fighters made it an extremely difficult aircraft to stop. Me262s could often sail past groups of escorting Allied fighters and strike at bomber groups with near impunity. Their main battery of four 30mm guns was devastating to any bomber or fighter caught in their sights. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on which side you favor, the Me262 did have an Achilles' heel in its short range. It had to land at some point, and then it was vulnerable to diving fighter attacks. Given that the Allies had near total air superiority by the time the Me262 appeared, it didn't take them long to begin using the tactic of establishing standing patrols over the enemy jet bases. Jet losses while taking off and landing were high and the Germans, in turn, began establishing patrols of Focke Wulfs, Ta152s or Bf109s over their bases to fend off Allied fighters while the jets got airborne. In greater quantities, the Schwalbes might have had an effect on the war.
TACTICS: Flying an Me262 is like flying a Focke Wulf but even more extreme in the contrast between its excellent top speed and poor dogfighting performance. As with flying Focke Wulfs, avoid tight-turning dogfights. Use high-speed "slashing" attacks, extending away at high speed before perhaps reversing for another attack. Still, you will find it difficult to shoot down enemy fighters unless you gain surprise. You are a greater threat to bombers, with your high speed (too fast for escorts to catch you) and heavy firepower. (But note that the MK-108 cannon has a low muzzle velocity and is powerful at very close range but inaccurate farther out.) And don't ever slow down. Your acceleration is weak and you'll find it difficult to outrun your pursuers.
STRENGTHS: Firepower. Very high speed.
WEAKNESSES: Poor maneuverability and acceleration.
MODELS:
A-1a: Main fighter model operational (in limited numbers) by October 1944.
A-1b: March 1945 model with capability to carry modern R4M rocket launchers.
