The Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a "Schwalbe" was the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft and one of the most technologically significant aircraft of the Second World War. Development of the Me 262 began in 1938 but progress was slowed mainly by the difficulties involved in developing reliable jet engines. The first successful flight powered entirely by jet engines took place in July 1942 with test pilot Fritz Wendel at the controls.
Powered by two Junkers Jumo 004 turbojets the Me 262 A-1a could reach approximately 870 km/h (540 mph) which made it considerably faster than contemporary Allied piston-engined fighters. Its main armament consisted of four powerful 30 mm MK 108 cannon mounted in the nose. Some aircraft were also equipped with R4M air-to-air rockets which were used against Allied bomber formations.
The Me 262 entered combat in 1944 and its combination of high speed and heavy armament made it a dangerous opponent. However its operational effectiveness was restricted by unreliable engines, shortages of fuel and trained pilots and the increasing disruption of German industry and transport caused by Allied attacks. The Jumo 004 engines in particular had a comparatively short service life and required careful handling.
Around 1,430 Me 262s were produced before the end of the war although only a relatively small proportion became fully operational. As Allied bombing intensified production was increasingly dispersed to concealed and underground facilities. Forced labourers and concentration-camp prisoners were used in parts of the production process under brutal and often deadly conditions.
Although the Me 262 arrived too late and in insufficient numbers to significantly influence the course of the air war it became an important milestone in the development of modern jet aviation.
- Highly detailed static plastic model.
- Easy-build engineering with single-piece lower wing.
- Fully poseable details as flaps, slats & control surfaces.
- Highly detailed interior – cockpit, wheel wells & MK 108 cannon bays.
- Three marking decal options:
- Me 262 Werknummer 111711 "Old 711" 30th March 1945, Messerschmitt assembly plant Schwäbisch Hall
- Me 262 Werknummer 170071 Early 1945,
- Me 262 Werknummer 501232 April 1945, Kampfgeschwader (J) 6 at Prag-Rusin
- Figure not included.
