is the P-47 Thunderboltreally one of the most fear aircraft durin WW2

[alyster]

Yes, the engines sucked. Their life time was short, they were put under the wings, they didn't have much power compared to P-80's engine of same era and acceleration was very slow. Like Galland said, take off, get your speed up and leave the engines alone, don't touch them till landing.

By May 1945 1400 Me-262 had been built from which 300 saw action.

[Raptor]

Agreed.

Although i like the way the commanders optimised the fighters. Go up, get shot down, wait a few months, get a new plane, get shot down, etc. etc.

Galland invited Hartmann to the jet squadron, didn't he? And sadly, Hartmann turned down the invitation. He would have seen much more action than he did, being captured and all...   

[alyster]

Yes I think he did invite him. He was forming an elite squadron of the remaining experts. Although we don't know how good Hartmann would have been on the Me-262, the unit itself scored kills even in late April 1945 which is rather outstanding result.

[Webmaster]

Hartmann probably feared that the Me-262 would kill him. Some people don't like innovation/changing their habits.

300 out of 1400 is a bit sad, but I am amazed to read that 1400 had been built, I didn't know that. Imagine how many Bf-109s could have been built instead.

[Raptor]

Ok. New research. i went to dig up in my home library. Apparently Hartmann didn't want to abandon his pals up in Russia.