Messerschmitt Me 262

This Messerschmitt Me 262 was on display at RAF Cosford.

The Messerschmitt Me 262 was the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Design work started before World War II began, but problems with engines, metallurgy and top-level interference kept the aircraft from operational status with the Luftwaffe until mid-1944.

The Me 262 was faster and more heavily armed than any Allied fighter, including the British jet-powered Gloster Meteor.

The Me262 was the only jet fighter to see air-to-air combat in World War Two and its appearance was a great shock to the Allies. It was a significantly more advanced design than its British contemporary and many of its aerodynamic secrets were eagerly incorporated in later post-war combat aircraft.

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