Being the first operational jet fighter of
the world, the Messerschmitt Me262 was one of the most advanced aircraft of its
time. Development for this plane began as early as 1938 and the first prototype
made its maiden flight (still propulsed by a piston engine) in April 1941. The
first jet powered version flew in July 1942. Full scale production started in
November 1943 but two major aspects, one political and one technical stopped
its fast introduction to front line fighter units. The political factor was
that the plane should be used as a fast bomber instead of a fighter, and it
took until late 1944 and early 1945 until it was officially allowed to use this
plane as a fighter. The technical problem was the reliability and availability
of the jet engines. They had only a lifetime of about 10 flying hours and
production never reached the output necessary. The principal operational
versions were the Me262A-1A Schwalbe (Swallow) interceptor and the Me262A-2A
Sturmvogel (Storm Bird). The Schwalbe was built in a number of sub-types with
alternative armaments installations. Despite all this problems, over 1400
planes were actually build and put into service. Although the plane was not as
maneuverable as its piston driven counterparts, its overall performance
superior to many other aircraft of its time.There are several aircraft left in
museums around the world. length : 10.60m Wing Span : 12.65m Hight : 3.83m Wing
Area : 21.70 Square Meter All-Up Weight : 6,755Kg Empty Weight : 4,000Kg Engine
: Jumo004B-1 X 2 Max Speed : 870Km/h Max Range : 1.050Km Service Ceiling :
11,400m Crew : 1 Armament : MK108 30mm X 4 Option Armament : R4M 55mm Orkan
Rocket X 24