Messerschmitt Me 262A-2a

Fighter-bomber By: Messerschmitt Origin: Germany First Flight: 1942

About This Aircraft

The Messerschmitt Me 262 was the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. This aircraft represents VK893, an Me 262A-2a "Sturmvogel" (Storm Bird), which was a fighter-bomber variant. Powered by two revolutionary Junkers Jumo 004B axial-flow turbojet engines, the Me 262 was significantly faster than any Allied piston-engined fighter. The A-2a variant was adapted for ground-attack missions and could carry two 250 kg bombs. It retained its formidable armament of four 30mm MK 108 cannons in the nose. Despite its technological superiority, the Me 262's impact on the war was limited by its late introduction, unreliable engines, and the chronic fuel shortages plaguing Germany in the final months of the conflict.

Museums Featuring This Aircraft

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