5 Facts You Should Know About Hitler’s Secret Jet Fighter

On paper, the Me 262 was supposed to be more deadly than any other Allied plane, but it didn’t quite turn out to be the salvation that Hitler had hoped for.

Regardless, here are five interesting facts about Hitler’s secret fighter jet:

1. It was the world’s first operational jet aircraft

It was powered by Junker Jumo 004 turbojet engines and was said to travel 120 mph faster than the legendary P-51 Mustang.

2. The Me 262’s first few flights were incredible

On its second flight, it climbed to 11,000 ft and reached a speed of 450 mph, already flying faster than any Allied plane in existence.

The test flight of the Me 262 encouraged Luftwaffe Generals to believe that it might be the fighting machine that might just win the war. It was definitely a formidable weapon- with its swept-wing design, it was unlike any other fighter of its era.

3. It was believed to outfly and outgun anything in the sky

It can reach speeds of up to 540 mph, equipped with four 30mm cannons each capable of firing 80 shells.

4. Out of the 1,400 Me 262s built, only 300 ever saw combat

During that time, the German Air Ministry failed to recognize the potential of a jet engine.
Had the Air Ministry done its job, the Me 262 could have been produced in large numbers and the Allies would not have won air superiority on the D-day invasion on June 6, 1944.

5. This classic jet left a legacy that inspired other air forces to use the jet fighter as standard

It also moved engineers to use its layout, its swept wings, and twin-pod engines for fighters and airliners.