Messerschmitt Me 262A Schwalbe. Developed from a 1938 design by the Messerschmitt company, the Me 262 Schwalbe was the world's first operational turbojet aircraft. First flown under jet power on July 18, 1942, it proved much faster than conventional airplanes. Development problems (particularly its temperamental engines), Allied bombings and cautious Luftwaffe leadership contributed to delays in quantity production.
TECHNICAL NOTES:
Armament: Four 30mm MK-108 cannons and 1,000 lbs. of bombs
Engines: Two Junkers Jumo 004s of 1,980 lbs. thrust each
Maximum speed: 540 mph
Cruising speed: 460 mph
Range: 650 miles
Ceiling: 38,000 ft.
Span: 41 ft.
Length: 34 ft. 9 in.
Height: 11 ft. 4 in.
Weight: 15,600 lbs.