AIRCRAFT IN ACTION No 1212 MESSERSCHMITT Me262

The Messerschmitt Me262 became the first operational jet fighter in the world. In addition to its Jumo 004 turbojet powerplants, its swept wings were a further innovation that made the Me262 one of the most extraordinary designs of World War II. The Me262 A-1a achieved the incredible speed for its time of 497 mph - almost 125 mph faster than the North American P-51 Mustang. The Me262 not only enjoyed superior speed, but it also had deadly firepower: a total of (4) Mk 108 30 mm cannon were mounted in the nose of the fighter variant. Its operational service, however, was hampered by its temperamental engines and under-strength undercarriage. A total of 1,433 Me262s were built during World War II. Covers the production and development of the Me262 with more than 100 photographs, color profiles, and detailed line drawings;