This is an outstanding book and a MUST HAVE for anyone interested in the Me-262. Sharp's book contains hundreds of pages of archival documentation, designs, diagrams, charts, photos of wind tunnel models and critically, transcripts between all the key players involved in this project from Messerschmitt, to Goering, Milch, Galland and the key designers at Messerschmitt. This granular thoroughness also dispels many long-held beliefs, myths and misunderstanding about this classic aircraft.
Far from being delayed only by Hitler's indecision on whether it should be a fighter or bomber, Sharps's work clearly shows it actually held a low priority for several years, as Messerschmitt struggled with the ME-209 and 210 programs.
The documents show that the 262 failed to get engines in a timely fashion, had fragile undercarriage, longitudinal instability problems and definitively shows that the mildly swept wing came about due to CofG problems with heavier and longer than expected engines, not by aerodynamic design. The reality is that it could not have become available earlier as it did not exist in any numbers until mid-1944 and it was not until the USAAF resumed regular deep penetration missions in 1944 (on the arrival of sufficient P-51 Mustangs) that the urgency was increased…
Further problems and delays were brought by the majority of prototypes crashing during testing.
Sharp has created something of a literary unicorn. A highly technically detailed book but also one that contains the fascinating and gripping narrative being played out behind the scenes during the development politics and operational use of this somewhat flawed but groundbreaking and impressive aircraft. At times I felt as though I was in the room during the discussions.
As an aviation industry professional, former lecturer in aviation science, hard-core aviation geek and savage critic of aviation books that often feature inaccuracies, incorrect timelines or technical errors, if I could give it ten stars, I would....
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Top reviews from other countries
completeaerogeek
A brilliant and encyclopaedic coverage of the Messerschmitt 262. A MUST HAVE!
Reviewed in Australia on December 15, 2023