Messerschmidt 262A

Design work on the Messerschmidt 262 began in 1938 and the first jet flight of the Me262 was undertaken in 1942, but continuing engine problems prevented the first production machines from entering service until June 1944. The Me262A was the major production version, with further delays ensuing due to Hitler's personal insistence that the Me262 should be able to carry bombs.

Despite Germany's industrial and logistical problems in the later stages of the war more than 1400 of the new jet fighter were built and another 500 lost due to allied bombing. However only 200 examples entered operational service and many of these were wasted in tactical close support roles, but a few Me262's were responsible for the destruction of over 100 allied aircraft.

There has been much speculation as to whether the Me262 would have swung the balance of the air war over Germany in late 1944, certainly the aircraft had a performance well in advance of any other allied fighter including the Gloster Meteor Mk1 which was the first allied jet fighter.

Performance

Maximum level speed: 500 mph
Weight: 14,101 lbs max take off weight
Powerplant: Two Junkers jumo 004b-1 axial flow turbojets
Armament: four 30mm cannon mounted in the nose