The Messerschmitt Me 262 was the first jet-powered fighter to enter operational service, joining the Luftwaffe during the final stages of the Second World War. Its twin Junkers Jumo 004 turbojets gave it substantially greater speed than contemporary piston-engined fighters, while fighter variants were armed with four 30 mm cannon.
Technical limitations, fuel shortages and its late introduction restricted the aircraft’s operational impact, but the Me 262 became an important milestone in the development of military jet aviation. JET Art Gallery’s collection features limited edition artwork depicting the aircraft and its wartime operations.
