Siemens-Schuckert D.IV, the Me-262 of WWI:
D.IV
Meanwhile the short-span D.IIc prototype had been further refined, and with narrower-chord wings the performance improved noticeably, both in top speed and in climb rate. An order for this model, now known as the D.IV, was placed in March 1918, and followed with several additional orders as the qualities of the design became obvious. The planes started reaching operational units in August, but of the 280 ordered only 123 were completed by the end of the war, about half of those reaching operational units. In October 1918 it was officially described as superior by far to all single-seaters in use.
Although the short landing gear and limited prop clearance led to tricky landing, the plane was otherwise easy to fly. It had a very short take-off run, and at heights above 4,000 m (13,120 ft) was faster and more manoeuvrable than the Fokker D.VII, at that point considered by all to be the best aircraft flying. Its most notable feature was its phenomenal rate of climb and extremely high service ceiling - it could reach 6,000 m (19,685 ft) in less than 14 1/2 minutes. In 36 minutes it could reach 8,100m, about 1,200 higher than the Fokker's maximum altitude.
Production of the D.IV continued after the cease-fire, with many being sold to Switzerland where they operated into the late 1920s. With the signing of the Treaty of Versailles all aircraft production in Germany was outlawed, and the aircraft portion of SSW disappeared. Siemens-Halske remained, later reorganizing into Bramo.
