The Ever-Evolving Schwalbe

The second Me 262 V7 W.Nr. 170303 first flew on September 22,1944. It was used to test the new streamlined design “Wikingerschiff” bomb rack and also with two 1,000 kp Rheinmettall-Borsig R-109-503 solid fuel rocket assisted take-off units under the fuselage. The bomb shown in the foreground is a 500 kg (1,000 pounds) concrete practice bomb.

347

By the end of June 1944, six of the original Me 262 prototypes had been destroyed or badly damaged. In order to replace them, Messerschmitt decided to take six standard production machines and give them the now-defunct Versuchs numbers. These production machines were used to test a large and varied number of experiments and modifications. W.Nr. 170303 became the second V7 and made its first flight on September 22, 1944. It made a total number...

PARDON THE INTERRUPTION

You need to be a Flight Journal Digital Member to see the full article
Already a Member?

Purchase Options

membership

All the stories featured in Flight Journal are as unique and varied as the airplanes and warriors who flew them. From popular warbirds like the P-51 Mustang and Me 109 to the Lockheed SR-71 and futuristic hypersonic fighters, we cover the whole spectrum of aviation. We’ve heard from countless readers over the years about how much they enjoy the compelling stories and beautiful photography.