Messerschmitt Me 262A-2a

Me 262s were the first operational jet fighters to enter Luftwaffe service, in April 1944. This example was surrendered to the British in northern Germany at the very end of the war.

The jet engine technology of Me 262s gave them superior performance to Allied piston-engined fighters. The very heavy armament of four 30mm cannon and rockets made it a formidable opponent. However, a shortage of special metals led to problems with engine reliability, and a lack of fuel in the closing stages of the war also limited its effectiveness.