Me262 HG I Hybrid

Me262 HG (“Hochgeschwindigkeitschützer”) Hybrid, consisting of the HG (“Hochgeschwindigkeit” – High Speed) I combined with the C-1a “Heimatschützer” – Homeland Defender I
This is a hypothetical configuration based on two test versions that were built and flown.
The HG I consisted of a modified airframe designed to gain higher speed. The changes included leading edge inserts inboard of engine nacelles, which effectively increased the wing-sweep; swept horizontal tail surfaces, and a low-drag racing canopy. But no changes were made to increase thrust and although flight characteristics were very positive, the speed gain was minimal.
The C-1a was a single prototype rocket-boosted interceptor built with a Walter rocket engine inside the tail. The additional 2,000 lbs. of thrust generated did increase speed significiantly.
Both these models were flown in 1944, with some success. But by combining them, the individual features, the high speed airframe and the additional engine thrust, complimented each other. The results would no doubt have been very positive. The racing canopy was not used since it was very unpopular with pilots. But the normal canopy profile was lowered about six centimeters to reduce drag.
Operations: this type of plane would have been ideal for point defense, with aircraft stationed near vital war industry. When attacks were threateded, the aircraft could take off and climb quickly to intercept.
Special Equipment:
Modified rear fuselage, adapted to carry a redesigned HWK 109-509 motor, with the combustion chamber exhausting at the tail end, beneath a specially cut-away rudder.
Two drop tanks: special corrosive resistant 550 liter tanks, one for C-Stoff and one for T-Stoff.
Lower fuselage fuel tanks: C-Stoff, 200 liters
Rear fuselage tank #2 – T-Stoff, 900 liters
The front and #1 rear fuselage fuel tanks were retained for J2 fuel, providing a total of 1,800 liters.
Walter Engine and Fuel System:
The ratio of T-Stoff:C-Stoff fuels was about 3 to 1.
Drop tanks were to be utilized first, for take-off and ascent. Jet engines to be kept on lower power settings during this phase, to conserve fuel and also since the Walter engine provided sufficient power. The T-Stoff tank would drain first, leaving approximately 370 liters of C-Stoff in the drop tank.
During normal flight, C-Stoff would continue to come from the drop tank, until emptied or until jettisoned. At first contact with enemy, drop tanks are jettisoned. The rocket engine power could be increased as needed, such as for pursuit.
Performance:
Take-off run was reduced by at least 200m.
Ascent: with the turbojets operating at low power and rocket at full power, the Me262C-1a could reach 26,000 feet in three minutes.
Maximum speed: 950km x hr
Endurance: Walter engine had a maximum of 20 minutes flight time.
MODEL:
The 1/48 scale Monogram Me262 kit was used for basic airframe; Antares resin conversion kits were used for the HG parts as well as for the drop tanks.
Rocket engine parts were scratchbuilt.
The Eduard photoetch set for the Monogram kit was used for the cockpit and for the main landing gear wells.
Kit parts were used for the leading edge slats.
Mid 1944 paint scheme was used.
Decals for “White 9” KG(J) 6, assigned to industry protection.