According to Goering and the Luftwaffe High Command, they were supposed to be the fighter elite. Adolf Galland Read Quote
I had to inspect all fighter units in Russia, Africa, Sicily, France, and Norway. I had to be everywhere. Adolf Galland Read Quote
I would like to mention that I have flown the 262 first in May ’43. At this time, the aircraft was completely secret. I first knew of the existence of this aircraft only early in ’42 – even in my position. This aircraft didn’t have any priority in design or production. Adolf Galland Read Quote
The throttles could only move very, very slowly, always watching the temperature, always watching. And even in throttling back, you could bust it, even being very careful. Adolf Galland Read Quote
I made a written report which is still today in existence. I have a photocopy of it, and I am saying that in production this aircraft could perhaps substitute for three propeller- driven aircraft of the best existing type. This was my impression. Adolf Galland Read Quote
We have built a total of about 1250 of this aircraft, but only fifty were allowed to be used as fighters – as interceptors. And out of this fifty, there were never more than 25 operational. So we had only a very, very few. Adolf Galland Read Quote
When I was fired from my post as General of the Fighter Arm, I was to give proof that this jet was a superior fighter. And that’s when we did it. I think we did it. Adolf Galland Read Quote
If we would have had the 262 at our disposal – even with all the delays – if we could have had in ’44, ah, let’s say three hundred operational, that day we could have stopped the American daytime bombing offensive, that’s for sure. Adolf Galland Read Quote
