It would be difficult to name an aircraft that has shaped the development of military aviation more significantly than the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world’s first series production jet fighter. Development work on the twin-engine, low-wing monoplane began in 1939 and would venture into previously unexplored territory in the field of high-speed aerodynamics. Continuous delays in the development schedule were caused not so much by the aircraft itself as by the engines that were to power it. But on 18 July 1942 the Me 262 took to the skies on its first jet-powered flight – although it would take until mid-1944 before the new jet fighter could be successfully deployed on more significant missions. Since then, countless, often unverified legends have sprung up around the Me 262 – including some concerning supposed supersonic flights.
The substantial technological advantage represented by the jet naturally made it one of the most sought-after spoils of war. All four of the victorious Allied powers – in particular the USA – subjected the Me 262 to thorough examination at the end of World War II. The knowledge thus obtained rapidly and permanently found its way into the field of aircraft development.
Technical Data Me 262 A-1:
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Length: |
10.6 m |
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Height: |
3.85 m |
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Wingspan: |
12.51 m |
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Max. speed: |
870 km/h |
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Propulsion: |
Two Jumo 004 B-1 each with 8.73 kN (890 kg) thrust |
