German ME 262A

Messerschmitt ME 262A

This is the first operational jet fighter of WWII.  It was 100 mph faster than any piston engine fighter.  It became operational in July, 1944, only weeks ahead of the quickly catching up British with the Gloster Meteor.  These fighters were both kept at home for defense.  They never met in battle.

The ME 262 could have changed the outcome of the war had it been deployed earlier.  As it was, though around 1400 were built, only about 300 saw combat.  The problem was the engine.  They could not make enough of them.  The vanes of the engine needed to be constructed of better material, yet to be invented.  The engine had to be be rebuilt after 25 hours of service.  Also, fuel was in shortage, and transportation was being limited by Allied bombing attacks.

The Allied fighters could sometimes shoot them during takeoff or landing.  Chuck Yeager was an Allied pilot who did this in his P-51 Mustang. 

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