NEW FACTOR

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23014, 4 October 1944, Page 5

NEW FACTOR

Jet-Propelled Planes Increasing Use By Germany N.Z.P.A.—Special Correspondent 110.40 p.m.) LONDON. October 3. Increasing use is being made of jet-propelled aircraft by the Luftwaffe. The Germans have developed these aircraft beyond tbt purfty experimental stage to the point where they take a definite place in the air war. Members of the Royal Air Force to whom I spoke in France said that the single-motor Mel 163 could be accurately described as a rocket-assisted fighter. Pilots who encountered it say that it takes off with the aid of a rocket, and then glides about in the air at high speed. From this glide it can make its attack, and then with "a squirt of black smoke,” it can shoot away again at tremendous speed, climbing vertically. ■ Reports indicate that German pilots lack experience in handling it, and that what it gains in speed it lacks in manoeuvrability. Royal Air Force fighter pilots who have been attacked by it state that it is not difficult to dodge, and once the jet aircraft has made its attack, it has to perform a wide circle before it can return for a second attack.

In addition to the single-motored fighter, there is also the two-motored bomber, the Messerschmitt 262, which originally was intended as a fighter, but is now being used with the object of making lightning attacks and returning to bases before it can be intercepted. Spitfires and Mustangs escorting Royal Air Force heavy bombers over the Ruhr recently sighted two formations of jet-propelled aircraft, one comprised of 12 and the other of 16. They were flying in pairs in line astern. They made no attempt to attack the bombers, but watched the bombing as spectators, and then flew away. It is believed the Luftwaffe has formed one complete group of several squadrons equipped with jet-propelled aircraft. It is operating in the Ruhr area, and its pilots are afforded as much operational experience as possible in the shortest time in the hope that these aircraft may provide a counter to the Allied overwhelming air superiority. Informed opinion makes no secret of the fact that the jet or rocket-assisted aircraft are going to play an important nart in the future of the air, both from a military and commercial point of view. It is capable of cruising at 400 miles an hour. Its use by the Luftwaffe serves as a warning to the Allied nations that they cannot afford to relax experimental and development work. The Royal Air Force, of course, possesses jet-propelled aircraft.