The first time American bomber crews encountered the German Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighter in 1944, they were astounded and terrified by its speed. The Me 262 was approximately 150 miles per hour faster than the fastest Allied fighters, making Allied planes feel almost stationary by comparison. The reaction from pilots and ground troops? A mix of fear, awe, and confusion. This was the moment when the face of aerial warfare changed forever. | History In Pictures

This is the world’s first operational jet fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 262. In 1944 it was years ahead of its time, flying faster than any piston-engine aircraft. Today only a handful still fly worldwide, mostly modern reproductions built to the original design. The big change is the engines. The wartime Jumo 004s were powerful but often failed after just a few hours. Modern examples use reliable jet engines hidden in replica casings, keeping the look and performance without the breakdowns. So

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Throwback with the Messerschmitt Me 262, the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. It was faster and more heavily armed than any Allied fighter, including the British jet-powered Gloster Meteor. Captured Me 262s were studied and flight-tested by the major powers, and ultimately influenced the designs of post-war aircraft such as the North American F-86 Sabre, MiG-15 and Boeing B-47 Stratojet. | Military Update