Elements of JG 1 began converting to jet fighters in February and March 1945. 3./JG 1 was among those units. On 20 March 1945 the OKL ordered JG 1 onto the He 162 completely. The "Stabstaffel" was to have 16 fighters, I., II. and III. "Gruppen" 52 each—the latter in April in May. Pilots were selected to fly the He 162 "Volksjäger" ("People's Fighter). Powered by BMW 109-003E-1 or BMW 109-003E-2 engines and armed with MG 151/20 autocannon with a MK 108 cannon provided formidable firepower. The He 162 was a short-range interceptor with approximately 30 minute endurance. Some pilots argued it needed at least another 40 to be a viable weapon and the reception was mixed. "Oberst" Edgar Petersen, a test pilot at Rechlin, noted the BMW 109-003 performance at altitude precluded any attempt to discover the aircraft's true ceiling, the power plant was never able to deliver full thrust, the nose-wheel was weak, the fuel tank leaked and the performance was generally poor, particularly in the roll; though the fighter was fast.