£215.00
On 10 April 1945 thirteen hundred bombers of the Mighty Eighth set out to destroy the last of the Luftwaffe’s jet force. But, unknown to the bomber crews and their fighter escort, the enemy jets were already airborne and waiting to spring their deadly trap.
As the war in mainland Europe entered its final, bloody phase, the German Armies defending Berlin fought on with a savage determination, slowly disintegrating before the mighty weapon of war unleashed against them. What remained of the Luftwaffe was mercilessly pounded from the air, their airfields hammered relentlessly. Aircraft, fuel, spare parts, ammunition and pilots all in short supply but still they fought on, with deadly effect. At the forefront of the German offensive and pivotal during the defence of the Reich, were the highly advanced jet fighters of the Luftwaffe, and in particular the legendary Me262.
The scene portrays B17s of the First Air Division with streaming contrails in the cold clear air as they turn for home. Several Me262s have already torn through the massed formation. but a P-51 from the escorting 356th Fighter Group has quickly spotted his target and presses home his attack. The hunter becomes the hunted as the Mustang pilot, Wayne Gatlin, skillfully positions himself behind the Me262 ready for the kill.
Throughout the final stages of the war there were many examples of the determination and skill of Allied pilots flying slower piston-engined fighters triumphing over the cream of the Luftwaffe in their highly advanced but often temperamental jet fighters.
The Signatures
This classic edition has been authenticated with the original signature of Wayne Gatlin himself, alongside some of the Luftwaffe’s most famous exponents of the jet. In addition the prints are personally signed by a staggering number of WWII’s most experienced allied fighter pilots, all of whom had victories against the jets of the Luftwaffe – they were the Jet Hunters!
The Messerschmitt Me 262 stands as a revolutionary milestone in aviation history. On 10 April 1945, thirteen hundred bombers of the “Mighty Eighth” set out to destroy the last of the Luftwaffe’s jet force. This high-quality limited edition print, titled Jet Hunters, captures the desperate struggle for air supremacy. Unknown to the bomber crews, the enemy jets were already airborne and waiting to spring their deadly trap. This aircraft represented a massive leap in technology that changed aerial warfare forever.
As the war in Europe entered its final phase, German armies defended Berlin with savage determination. The Luftwaffe faced a merciless pounding from the air as Allied forces hammered their airfields relentlessly. Specifically, aircraft, fuel, spare parts, and pilots remained in short supply. However, the advanced Me 262 jet fighters remained pivotal during the defence of the Reich. This limited edition print showcases the legendary “Storm Bird” as it faced overwhelming odds. If you admire the bravery of these pilots, explore our P-51 Mustang limited edition print collection.
The Jet Hunters scene portrays B-17s of the First Air Division turning for home in the cold, clear air. Several Me 262s have already torn through the massed bomber formation. Suddenly, a P-51 from the escorting 356th Fighter Group spots his target. The hunter quickly becomes the hunted in this dramatic moment. Mustang pilot Wayne Gatlin skillfully positions himself behind the Me 262 for the kill. You can learn more about these aerial rivalries at the RAF Museum P-51D Mustang page.
Throughout the final stages of the war, Allied pilots proved their incredible skill. They often triumphed over the cream of the Luftwaffe while flying slower piston-engined fighters. Indeed, the Me 262 was highly advanced but often temperamental. Reliability issues and fuel shortages severely limited its impact. This limited edition print honors the determination of pilots like Gatlin who successfully challenged the first generation of jet fighters.
A limited edition print provides a stunning visual record of the dawn of the jet age. Finally, these digital assets offer a detailed look at the swept-wing technology that influenced all future fighters. In fact, no World War Two collection is complete without a tribute to this historic dogfight. Therefore, this print serves as the perfect centerpiece for any historical aviation display.
| Dimensions | 95.9 × 62.9 cm |
|---|---|
| Print Type | Signed and Numbered |
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