Museums 201: The Me 262 Swallow, the first operational jet fighter (photo diary)

Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

Friday November 28, 2025 · 7:15 AM PST

2025/11/28 · 07:15

The Me 262 was the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. The design of what would become the Me 262 began in 1939. It first flew in 1942 and became operational in mid-1944. It was faster and better armed than any Allied aircraft. In 1944, an Me 262 shot down a British Mosquito flying over Munich, making it the first jet airplane to be used in combat.

Newer
Older

RSS