Is the Me 262 a tail sitter ? (3 Viewers)

[fmethorst]

Actually all tricycle gear aircraft are landed much the same way. Letting the nose wheel touch first is rather dangerous to your health. The 262 was designed as a tail wheel aircraft, as was the convention for fighters at that time. It was switched to tricycle gear because the engine / wing wash made the horizontal stabilizer ineffective at take-off in that attitude. The 262A-2a was rather tail heavy with its added rear fuel take but that was usually only an issue when it was full as far as I recall.

I remember reading somewhere that with the original tail wheel configuration the pilot had to tap the brakes on the takeoff run to help get the tail off the ground.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

I remember reading somewhere that with the original tail wheel configuration the pilot had to tap the brakes on the takeoff run to help get the tail off the ground.

They used a tail wheel only at the very beginning and am not sure that any of the early 262's ever got into combat. They switch to tricycle gear was to improve the effect of the control surfaces by maintaining an upright position on takeoff. The first 262's with tricycle gear had a tail skid, but that was done away with very quickly as not needed.

Terry

 

[Spitfrnd]

I remember reading somewhere that with the original tail wheel configuration the pilot had to tap the brakes on the takeoff run to help get the tail off the ground.

You are correct Frank. In fact that techique was discovered when the prototype tail wheel aircraft failed to lift off and it was noticed that the tail rose and the elevator became effective when the brakes were applied to avoid running off the runway. The aircraft was tri-gear by the time it entered combat.

 

[Mitch]

Still comes down to the fact that it would be madness of K&C to release an aircraft which toples over at this price. Hopefully soon Andy will comment and end the debate
Mitch

 

[GJB22]

Andy has stated that the price of materials and labor has driven up the price we have to pay. It's unfortunate, but at least we can't complain about the quality. Also, I'm hoping the bombs will aid in weighing down the front of the plane. If it was always planned to be supported in the rear, then they should have just kept it a straight fighter.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Still comes down to the fact that it would be madness of K&C to release an aircraft which toples over at this price. Hopefully soon Andy will comment and end the debate
Mitch

If the 262 model was tail heavy, I would think the stand would be sold with the plane and not as an accessory. The stand under the tail looks like a stand to work on the engines from and the positioning under the tail is an unfortunate placement giving the wrong impression.

Terry

 

[Spitfrnd]

If the 262 model was tail heavy, I would think the stand would be sold with the plane and not as an accessory. The stand under the tail looks like a stand to work on the engines from and the positioning under the tail is an unfortunate placement giving the wrong impression.

Terry

That sounds about right to me too.

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Or more likely, the stand is high enough to be used to service the guns from the access panel on top of the nose.

Terry

 

[MapleLeaf]

At the Chicago show they had a stand under the tail
to keep the plane up if u guys can remember seeing it
They had the sitting problem, is it corrected?
Nose too light weight. wonder ???

 

[King & Country]

Me 262… Oh ye of little faith….

Hi Guys,

Sorry to disappoint any of you that really wanted our 262 to be a “tail-dragger”.

As you can see it sits very nicely thankyou… on its tricycle undercarriage.

Chocks away and happy flying!
Andy C

 

[GJB22]

Awesome! Thanks for the pics Andy. I was gonna buy it either way, this just makes it that much sweeter.

 

[nmrocks]

Thats a sweet, sweet plane!

 

[IXEC]

it would be polystone suicide to do such a fundamental error in such an expensive model. I just don't think K&C are that stupid to allow such a thing to happen. Maybe Andy can come on and pop a pic or two showing it free standing
Mitch

Well I think they are "that stupid" and that's what happen's when there sitting on the "bog" to long....because it should look like this.....

 

[Beaufighter]

Thats a sweet, sweet plane!

Well said Ray! I met Galland at a Robert Taylor print signing way back now (1992-1993 or close to it) so this is a must add warbird for the collection!

Horrido,
Marc

 

[IXEC]

If the 262 model was tail heavy, I would think the stand would be sold with the plane and not as an accessory. The stand under the tail looks like a stand to work on the engines from and the positioning under the tail is an unfortunate placement giving the wrong impression.

Terry

This looks like.....a Forum members meeting..here...

 

[Beaufighter]

!

This looks like.....a Forum members meeting..here...

Thanks for the laugh and the great picture as I am saving that one!

 

[uksubs]

Re: Me 262… Oh ye of little faith….

Hi Guys,

Sorry to disappoint any of you that really wanted our 262 to be a “tail-dragger”.

As you can see it sits very nicely thankyou… on its tricycle undercarriage.

Chocks away and happy flying!
Andy C

Hi Andy thank for taking the time to answer the question , will you have a Me 262 on display at the London show ?

 

[marksable]

It's $239 in the US. Seems these planes are getting a tad expensive. The Fw was $199 and the Me $185.

I have to agree there. I liked that the FW-190 came with the barrels...when I first saw the Dispatch I thought the ME262 was going to come with the ladder and crew for that price.

Those planes seem like bargains now (and, I should add, were my two favorite pieces of last year).

I'll reserve judgment on the 262 until I see it in person, but I hope it's a more substantial piece given the 20% plus increase.

 

[King & Country]

IXEC’s love ‘n’ kisse

Hi Guys, Hi IXEC,

Love the illustration of your latest ME 262 “Shark”… When will it appear? Around the same time as your FW190? Can’t wait to see them both.

Love ‘n’ kisses,
“Stupid Old Andy”

 

[King & Country]

Are You Talking to Me?

Hi IXEC,

Who exactly are you calling “STUPID” and also who is sitting on which “BOG”???

Love ‘n’ kisses,
Andy C.