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

I bet you’ve never seen a Messerschmitt Me 262 landing before! Here’s one coming into land at Oshkosh and just look at what’s lining up on the runway once it’s on the ground. It really is history in the making - a first generation jet fighter landing before a fifth generation steals the show! #messerschmitt #luftwaffe #flugzeug #aviation | AvPay.aero

2.1M views · 376 reactions | The incredible Messerschmitt Me 262 walk around and takeoff/landing at The Royal International Air Tattoo with thanks to Flugmuseum Messerschmitt for allowing access to the aircraft. https://www.jetsprops.com/fighters/me-262-the-first-combat-deployed-jet-fighter.html | Jets 'n' Props | Facebook

Rare Messerschmitt ME 262 #me262 #messerschmitt #Aviation #avgeek #aviationgeek | RVA Aviation

On July 25, 1944, a fast mysterious aircraft attacked a British photo-reconnaissance Mosquito flying over Munich. The Allies soon realized that they were dealing with something extraordinary. This sleek, high-speed jet was far beyond the capabilities of any Allied plane at the time. This was to be the the first sightings of the Messerschmitt Me 262 and the first jet airplane to be used in combat. #ww2 #aviation | The War Rooms