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Specifications

Dimensions: Span: 46'3", Length: 41'5", Wing Area: 284.16 sq ft.

Weights:  Normal loaded: 5,200 kg (11,464 lb lbs).
          Maximum take-off: 9,800 kg (21,605 lb)

Powerplant: Two Junkers Jumo 004B-1 axial-flow turbojets each rated at
            900 kg (1,984 lbs) thrust.

Armament: Two fixed aft-firing 20-mm Mauser MG151/20 cannon with 200 r.p.g.
   controlled via a RF 2C periscope head (rearview mirror gunsight)
          mounted above the cockpit.

Bomb Load:One SC 1000 "Hermann" bomb or one PC 1400 (3,000 lb) bomb mounted
          below the centre fuselage.
          One SC 500J (1,100 lb) bomb or one 300 litre (66 imp gal) drop
          tank mounted under each engine

PERFORMANCE.

Max Speed:    742 km/h (461 mph) at 20,000 ft.
                   700 km/h (435 mph) at 32,810 ft.
Limiting Mach No:  0.78
Service Ceiling:   10,000 m (32,810 ft).
Range:             1,556 km (967 miles) with 500 kg bomb load.
 

HISTORY.

The world's first jet bomber was a sleek, fast and deftly-engineered design
which was well ahead of its time.

However, jet engine technology was new and these engines were temperamental,
low on power with a time between overhauls of only 10 hours. Engine spool-up
time from idle to full thrust took some 15 seconds with little thrust being
developed untill the last 5 seconds. This, coupled with a tendency to flame-out
or compressor stall if roughly handled, demanded smooth throttle handling and
much power anticipation on the part of the pilot.

The aircraft was particularly prone to attack during the take-off and approach
phases of flight. On take-off the aircraft took a long ground roll and
accelerated slowely once airborne; Rauchgerate rocket take-off units were
frequently fitted beneath each outer wing to reduce the ground roll. Once
airborne,The pilot would maintain heading and keep the climb rate to about
500 ft/min until climb speed of 300 mph was reached.

With a normal cruise speed of 350 mph/Mach 0.7, a Blitz pilot was most unfortunate
to be intercepted in normal flight. The clean aircraft was fully aerobatic, though
pilots were briefed that, should they by some mischance be intercepted, they
should rely on speed rather than manoeuvre to escape.