Dive into the thrilling history of the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Soaring into the skies during WWII, this revolutionary design marked a significant leap in aviation technology. Operational from 1944 until the war's end in 1945, the Me 262 was a fearsome adversary for Allied forces, capable of speeds that propeller-driven fighters could hardly dream of. Its twin Junkers Jumo 004 jet engines allowed it to reach speeds of up to 540 mph, making it the fastest in the skies at the time. Despite its late introduction and the challenges of wartime production, around 1,430 units were built. Known affectionately as the 'Schwalbe' (Swallow) for its fighter version and 'Sturmvogel' (Storm Bird) for its fighter-bomber variant, the Me 262 has etched its name into the annals of military aviation history as a symbol of ingenuity and the dawn of a new era in aircraft design.
We stock several products with this image, available for immediate shipment.
